A pioneering mental health program near Paris is drawing attention for its unconventional yet effective approach to patient care: therapy donkeys.
Located within the historic grounds of the Ville-Evrard Psychiatric Hospital in Neuilly-sur-Marne, the initiative offers patients the opportunity to interact with specially trained donkeys as part of their treatment plans. The program, considered unique in France, combines animal-assisted therapy with traditional psychiatric care to support emotional well-being and social engagement.
Set among restored farm buildings and green woodland areas, the therapy unit provides a peaceful environment where patients can step away from clinical settings. During regular sessions, participants walk, groom, and care for the donkeys, creating meaningful bonds that therapists say can positively influence recovery.
Animals Helping Patients Reconnect
For many patients, spending time with the animals provides comfort and emotional relief. Participants are typically paired with one of five resident donkeys, allowing trust and familiarity to develop over time.
Healthcare professionals involved in the program report that interactions with the animals often encourage patients to become more active and confident. Nurses have observed individuals overcoming personal challenges, engaging more openly in activities, and showing increased motivation during treatment.
Mental health specialists say the donkeys act as non-judgmental companions, helping patients express emotions and build self-esteem in a safe environment.
Reducing Isolation and Encouraging Social Interaction
Beyond emotional support, the therapy sessions also help combat loneliness and social withdrawal—common issues among people receiving psychiatric care.
Patients frequently participate in group activities centered around animal care, creating opportunities to communicate, collaborate, and form connections with others. Hospital staff note that these experiences can contribute to improved daily functioning and a stronger sense of purpose.
Many participants describe the sessions as a welcome break from the routine of hospital treatment, offering both physical activity and meaningful engagement outdoors.
A Vision That Became a Recognized Healthcare Program
The initiative began in 2016 through the efforts of psychiatric nurse Ermelinda Hadey and her husband, François Hadey. Believing in the therapeutic potential of human-animal relationships, they selected donkeys because of their calm temperament, intelligence, and ability to connect with people.
Several of the animals were rescued from difficult situations before being trained for therapeutic work. According to program coordinators, the donkeys demonstrate remarkable sensitivity to human emotions, making them particularly suitable for mental health settings.
The success of the project led to its official recognition as a healthcare unit in 2022. Since then, the program has expanded and now employs dedicated nursing staff while receiving support from volunteers who help care for the animals.
Expanding Animal-Assisted Care
While donkeys remain the centerpiece of the initiative, the hospital has broadened its animal therapy offerings to include rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens, doves, goats, and turtles. Smaller animals can even be brought directly to patients who are unable to leave their rooms.
Healthcare workers say tailoring animal interactions to individual preferences helps maximize therapeutic benefits and ensures patients can participate comfortably.
Nursing students and healthcare professionals involved with the program believe the activities provide a valuable connection to the outside world, helping patients experience a sense of normalcy and emotional balance during their recovery journey.
As interest in animal-assisted therapy continues to grow worldwide, the Ville-Evrard program is emerging as an example of how innovative, compassionate approaches can complement traditional mental health treatment and improve patient outcomes.
