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France 24
France 24
National
FRANCE 24

'Animal medicine': Therapy donkeys help patients at French psychiatric hospital

Thomas Padilla Paris Nathalie Mental Health
A patient with mental health conditions participates in a therapy session involving donkeys at a psychiatric hospital in Neuilly-sur-Marne, in the eastern suburbs of Paris, on May 29, 2026
A patient with mental health conditions participates in a therapy session involving donkeys at a psychiatric hospital in Neuilly-sur-Marne, in the eastern suburbs of Paris, on May 29, 2026. © Thomas Padilla, AP

Patients staying in a psychiatric hospital near Paris have been singing the praises of a novel treatment: spending time with therapy donkeys. Experts and patients say caring for the animals, which are known for their calm and social nature, helps improve emotional regulation, communication, social interaction and self-esteem.

Therapy donkeys are helping patients with mental health conditions recover in a psychiatric hospital unit outside Paris that's unique to France.

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