A hospital on the outskirts of Paris is offering an unconventional prescription for mental health: time with donkeys. The Ville-Evrard hospital complex, east of Paris, has integrated five donkeys into its psychiatric care program since 2016.
Ermelinda Hadey, a psychiatric nurse, and her husband François launched the program based on the idea that donkeys' calm, social nature could reach patients in ways conventional treatment cannot.
Patients lead the donkeys-named Nono, Pitou, Oscar, Manolo, and Malraux-through the grounds, clean their hooves, and hug them. Each patient is paired with a regular companion.
Nathalie, 60, describes the experience as "animal medicine" that brings the same relief as medication. "It brings relief. You stop thinking about everything else."
Jérôme, 52, says the program reduces loneliness and helps break away from treatment routines.
François Hadey describes donkeys as "emotional sponges"-intelligent and calm animals that connect well with patients.
The program gained official healthcare unit status in 2022, now employing three full-time nurses. It has expanded to include guinea pigs, chickens, doves, goats, turtles, and rabbits.
Sessions are free, funded by France's public health system, and designed for patients with anxiety, depression, autism, and schizophrenia. Staff report improvements in emotional regulation, communication, and self-esteem.
Despite its success, animal therapy remains on the fringes of psychiatric practice. The team advocates for more research to gain broader medical recognition.