Zootherapy at Le Renaissance Manoir St-Francis

Every month, Erika-May from KhaliZoo makes her way over to Le Renaissance Manoir St-Francis in Lennoxville to offer zootherapy to the residents who live there. Zootherapy involves using animals to liven spirits and comfort people to reduce stress or help those who could be struggling physically, psychologically, socially or emotionally. The Record was invited to the manor to join in on their most recent zootherapy session and speak to Erika about her work. Erika has a Masters degree in psychology and she is also a zoo therapist. To become a zoo therapist, she had to take a course and it has now been four years since she has been providing zootherapy. “I adapt to the needs of the group I am working with. Everyone connects with different animals, that is why I always have a variety.” See full story in the Thursday, July 18 edition of The Record.