Healesville Sanctuary wildlife visit MCH

As part of National Children’s Week, this morning our patients and their families were thrilled to meet some very special friends from Healesville Sanctuary.

For the seventh year running, the team from Healesville Sanctuary generously visited the Starlight Express room at Monash Children’s Hospital and brought with them native wildlife for the children to meet, including Mountain Pygmy-possums, a Barking Owl, a Tawny Frogmouth and even a family of stick insects!

“The magic of children interacting with animals is incredible to see first-hand and it is so rewarding to be able to provide a fun distraction for sick kids,” Dr Rupert Baker, Acting Director, Healesville Sanctuary said.

It is the first time the Healesville Sanctuary team have visited the new Monash Children’s Hospital since its opening in April this year.

National Children’s Week events are held around the country to demonstrate the talents and abilities of children, as well as to celebrate their right to enjoy childhood.

Pictured: Anna from Healesville Sanctuary introduces patient, Chloe to some stick insects.

Pictured: Patient, Max and Captain Starlight meet Millie the Barking Owl.

Pictured: Our patients were fascinated by stick insects, affectionately named Stickabella and Stickafella!

Pictured: A couple of very special Mountain Pygmy-possums also made an appearance.

Pictured: Patient, Chloe meets a Tawny Frogmouth.

Pictured: James from Healesville Sanctuary teaches our patients a few things about Millie the Barking Owl.

Pictured: Captain Starlight chats to patient, Chloe about all of the new friends she made today!