A healthy child overflows with enthusiasm, excitement and curiosity. Tragically, when early childhood lacks warmth and care, a boy often turns inward – withdrawn, distrustful, uncommunicative... shut off from the world around.

At Zion Orphanage, our priority is to help such a boy emerge from his shell. One of our most successful methods is Animal-Assisted Therapy at our on-campus mini-zoo. Guided by a professional therapist, a boy learns to switch from "survival mode" to sharing his inner world.

As the boy cares for rabbits, turtles and birds, he develops empathy toward other creatures, enabling the loving part of himself to emerge.

In this no-stress atmosphere of unconditional acceptance, the boys ease feelings of anxiety and isolation. With time, confidence and trust melt those walls away. The boy now has new horizons.