Rio Safari launches unique sea lion therapy sessions

SEA LION therapy has commenced at Elche’s Rio Safari animal park. The Rio Safari Foundation’s therapy programme with sea lions is believed to be unique in Spain, aimed at enhancing the capabilities of people with different problems and disabilities through interaction with these animals.
The therapeutic sessions launched this week and are targeting different groups. The College of Special Education Miguel de Cervantes and the senior centre, both of Elda, were first to get in to the pools with the animals for the sessions, led by an occupational therapist and accompanied by animal trainers.
From June 22, the custom programmes will target children with Downs Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy and Autism, with each group undergoing two weeks of therapy.