A unique animal therapy programme at a psychiatric hospital in France is transforming the lives of patients, offering comfort, companionship and a welcome break from the challenges of mental illness.
At the Ville-Evrard Hospital near Paris, patients living with anxiety, depression, loneliness and other psychiatric disorders are finding healing in an unexpected place — a peaceful farm sanctuary shared with a group of gentle therapy donkeys.
Every Friday, patients leave the clinical setting behind and spend time with donkeys such as Nono, Pitou, Oscar, Manolo and Malraux. The animals quietly interact with visitors, pulling carts, accepting grooming sessions or simply offering affection through a gentle nuzzle.
The programme has become a highlight for many patients, who say the experience provides relief from the pressures of daily treatment and helps them reconnect with the world around them.
For 52-year-old patient Jérôme, the weekly sessions have made a meaningful difference.
“Talking with people, taking part in activities I wouldn’t normally do, it helps me in my daily life,” he said. “It helps you break away from the routine of treatment and medication. Staying at home isn’t good for me.”
Donkeys have long been valued for their calm, intelligent and social nature. Having worked alongside humans for thousands of years, they are increasingly being recognised as effective therapy animals capable of helping people feel relaxed, safe and understood.
The initiative was launched by married couple François and Ermelinda Hadey. François trained the first therapy donkeys that arrived at the hospital in 2016, while Ermelinda, a psychiatric nurse, believed strongly in the healing power of animal-assisted therapy.
What began with a handful of donkeys has since expanded into a diverse animal therapy programme that includes goats, rabbits, guinea pigs, turtles, chickens and doves.
Hospital staff have witnessed the positive impact firsthand. Nursing student Alicia Fabi said patients consistently return from the sessions feeling calmer and happier.
“Every time we come back from the activity, they say they feel good, calm and relaxed, and that they enjoyed the outing. That’s really positive,” she said.
The programme is free for patients and has become an important part of their care, offering not only emotional support but also opportunities for social interaction and outdoor activity.
Encouraged by the success of the initiative, the hospital and its founders are now calling for formal scientific research into donkey-assisted therapy. They hope the evidence gathered will help establish standards for the practice and allow similar programmes to be introduced at hospitals across France.
For many patients, however, the benefits are already clear. In a world often dominated by medication and clinical routines, a quiet moment spent with a friendly donkey is proving to be a powerful source of comfort, connection and hope.