Ostrich therapy for people with autism, depression, anxiety or even someone just looking for cuddles

Difficulty: Summiteer (Level 3)

Wild ostriches are territorial and aggressive birds that are best approached with caution. But at a Belgian animal rescue farm, the hand-reared birds are so gentle that they will cuddle with visitors.

At the Passiehoeve animal rescue farm in Kalmthout, some of the ostriches will rest their long necks on human shoulders.

“This is the only place in the world where ostriches will really cuddle with people,” said Wendy Adriaens. She started the farm after saving ostrich chicks from an ostrich meat farm.

Her farm now has nine ostriches, 14 goats, a horse, a pony, a donkey, pigs, dogs, chickens and ducks. Most come from shelters or are brought by animal rescue services.

Her animals are also used as therapy animals for people with autism, depression, anxiety or drug problems. “Horses are also used as therapy animals, but our ostriches are more sensitive,” Adriaens said.

Quiz time

1. What is the normal nature of wild ostriches?

2. What is the name of the rescue farm with ostriches, and where is it located?

3. How many ostriches and goats does the rescue farm have?

4. What kind of issues are the animals used as therapy for?

5. Where do the animals come from?

Belgian Wendy Adriaens is the founder of Passiehoeve, an animal rescue farm. Photo: Reuters

Suggested answers

1. territorial and aggressive

2. Passiehoeve farm in Kalmthout, Belgium

3. 9 ostriches and 14 goats

4. autism, depression, anxiety or drug problems

5. From shelters or are brought by animal rescue services