With the stressful pre-Christmas period well underway, The Donkey Sanctuary – the world’s largest equine charity that runs ten sanctuaries across the UK and Europe – has installed multiple webcams in the donkeys’ shelters and barns meaning you can tune in any time of day, from any location, to help maintain a sense of calm.
From best-friend duo, Millie and Jump, in shelter six to the herd of gentle giants known as the Poitiou donkeys in the Buffalo Barn, there are several views to select. The sanctuary has even worked with a clinical psychotherapist to explain the benefits of animal therapy including lowered blood pressure and boosting mood.
Dr Joe Gee says:Â “The presence of animals, and watching animals through online methods such as livestreams, can improve mood, reduce levels of anxiety in the body and decrease stress. This is partly down to the oxytocin system, which is activated when we feel connection, resulting in good mood feelings such as love, trust, and relaxation. These increases lead to what we might call an upward positivity spiral, where we feel more satisfied, more productive and better able to take on the day ahead.
“If we then look at this from a psychological perspective, watching videos of animals can also give us a greater sense of perspective, where we might step back from the emotional problems we are in and see ourselves as a part of the natural world. This perspective allows us to draw on our resources and problem solve more effectively.”
To tune into the donkey webcams, visit www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/webcams
Image credit: The Donkey Sanctuary
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