World Wildlife Day
Animals have a profound impact on our well-being, offering companionship, purpose, and engagement across multiple dimensions of wellness. Whether through direct interaction, observation, or enrichment activities, incorporating animals into our daily lives can provide meaningful experiences that support emotional, vocational, physical, and intellectual wellness. Here are some ways to integrate animals into wellness-focused programming:
Emotional - Pet therapy
The presence of animals has been shown to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve mood. Pet therapy programs bring trained therapy animals to visit individuals in residential communities, hospitals, and care centers, offering comfort and connection. The Triple B Foundation is an example of an organization that supports equine-assisted therapy, which can be particularly effective for individuals experiencing anxiety or PTSD. Simply spending time with a friendly dog or watching birds at a feeder can have a calming and uplifting effect.
Vocational - Animal Enrichment
Engaging in meaningful activities that support animals can foster a sense of purpose. Participants can create bird feeders to attract and support local wildlife using one of these suggestions from Country Living or help prepare seasonal zoo enrichment such as jack-o’-lanterns.
Sonia’s first ever jack-o’-lantern was used for animal enrichment at a zoo.
Physical - Zoo Visit
Engaging in physical activity while enjoying the presence of animals can be both fun and beneficial. Zoo visits offer a fantastic way to stay active, and with a little planning, they can be made accessible to all. Calling ahead to arrange for a sighted guide or a docent-led tour can ensure that individuals with visual impairments receive an enriching and inclusive experience. Walking through a zoo provides exercise while fostering a deeper appreciation for wildlife.
Social- Animal Themed Party Games
Bringing people together through wildlife-inspired games fosters social interaction and shared experiences. Consider hosting a wildlife-themed party featuring these engaging activities:
Wildlife Charades – Players take turns acting out wild animals (without making sounds) while others try to guess what they are.
Who Am I? Animal Edition – Each guest wears a card on their forehead with the name of a wild animal, and they must ask yes/no questions to figure out what they are.
Wildlife Sound Guessing Game – Play recordings of animal calls (like a wolf howl, an owl hoot, or a frog’s croak) and have guests guess which animal made the sound. Mister Teach on Youtube has an 11 minute quiz of 30 animal sounds you can use.
Migration Relay Race – Set up an obstacle course that represents an animal’s migration journey, like a monarch butterfly or a sea turtle, where participants must follow the path while avoiding “predators” (obstacles).
Animal Tracks Match-Up – Print images of different wild animal tracks and challenge participants to match them to the correct animals.
Spiritual - Birdwatching
Many cultures and traditions view animals as symbols of wisdom, guidance, and connection to the greater world. Spending time in nature observing wildlife can be a meditative practice, offering moments of peace and reflection.
Intellectual - Wildlife Documentary and Discussion
Watching a wildlife documentary can be a great way to stimulate curiosity and learning. Choose a film or short documentary about animal behavior, conservation efforts, or unique wildlife adaptations, then follow it with a group discussion. Encourage participants to share their thoughts, ask questions, and reflect on what they learned. This fosters critical thinking and deepens appreciation for the natural world without requiring advance preparation. We enjoy documentaries narrated by Sir David Attenborough such as Life or Blue Planet, because of his ability to make the natural world feel both awe-inspiring and deeply personal. His calm yet passionate narration, combined with breathtaking cinematography, brings animal behaviors and ecosystems to life in a way that is both accessible and engaging. Attenborough’s dedication to conservation also encourages thoughtful discussion on the importance of protecting wildlife and the environment.
Extra - Raise and Release Butterflies
If you want one activity that encompasses four out of six domains of wellness, consider raising and releasing butterflies. Our blog post gives detailed instructions on how best to do this.
Animals play a powerful role in our well-being across multiple dimensions. Whether through hands-on activities, intellectual engagement, or spiritual reflection, there are countless ways to embrace wildlife in daily life. By incorporating these ideas, we can foster joy, learning, and connection—all inspired by the incredible creatures that share our planet.
