For many children, visiting the zoo is an unforgettable adventure. However, for those with immune systems too fragile to embark on such outings, there is now a wonderful alternative that brings the zoo experience to them, right from their hospital beds.
Thanks to an innovative collaboration with the San Diego Zoo, a 24/7 streaming service has been launched, allowing young patients to enjoy the sights and sounds—minus the smells—of the zoo from the comfort of their rooms. The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s Wildlife Explorers Channel offers continuous animal encounters and educational content, spreading joy to children in medical facilities.
What began as a local initiative at Rady Children’s Hospital and the Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego has blossomed into a global outreach, now available in more than 400 hospitals and medical centers across 48 states and 12 countries. This inspiring program is estimated to reach around 25 million viewers each year.
The channel showcases breathtaking wildlife footage from around the world, along with engaging presentations featuring the zoo’s animals, live wildlife cameras from zoo enclosures, and specially designed educational programming.
“Many of our patients have weakened immune systems, so they’re unable to go to places like the zoo, and the channel has brought the zoo to them,” shared Margaret Fitzgerald, Manager of the Hematology and Oncology Unit at Rady Children’s Hospital. “It has had a huge impact on our patients. I remember a time when a little girl, about three years old, felt sad when her mom had to go to work, but when we turned on the zoo channel, her face lit up with joy!”
The program’s reach has extended beyond hospitals, now also benefiting senior centers and clinics. In a heartwarming initiative in 2023, tablets preloaded with the channel’s content were delivered to a children’s hospital and school in Ukraine, further enhancing global access to this uplifting experience.
Share this incredible way to brighten a sick child’s day!
