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Volunteers provide everything from TLC to full facial reconstruction

Hundreds of plush patients are in better shape now after receiving TLC from Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden volunteers earlier today at the second annual Stuffed Animal Clinic.  Some needed Band-Aids, some needed stiches, and one required full facial reconstruction!

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“If you want to feel good, this is the place to be!” said Brittany Garera-Stapleton, volunteer program manager at the Cincinnati Zoo. “Just watching the interaction between the volunteer vets and the kids is heartwarming. Some give the plush animal parent the choice to help with procedures, so they get some early experience with hands on medical care!”

The clinic was run by adult Zoo volunteers with special talents that include sewing, crafting, and talking to kids. They were outfitted with stethoscopes, flashlights, tongue depressors, needle and thread, and other repair supplies. Volunteers from Cincinnati Children’s Hospital were also on hand to help with patient check-in.

“One mom told me that her son had been talking about bringing his favorite stuffed animal, Spot, for days,” said Garera-Stapleton. “You could see how happy he was, and the volunteer who assisted him felt the same way!  This clinic is as good for the volunteers as it is for the kids and the patients.”

The Zoo is already making plans to do the clinic again next year.