Xiaohongshu
Come and have the perfect study break by meeting our friendly gathering of shetland ponies, alpacas, sheep and goats!
Come along to meet our friendly gathering of animals as part of Thrive Festival! Make sure you have your phone too - they’re often happy to take a selfie!
The benefits of Animal Assisted therapy (AAT)
- Stress reduction: being with animals can reduce blood pressure, heart rate and cortisol levels, alleviating feelings of tension and anxiety. Unlike some other animals, ponies and goats are not prone to sudden movements or loud noises, making them a good choice for anyone who is anxious or easily startled.
- Relaxation: Shetland ponies and goats enjoy human company and are very gentle, inquisitive and intelligent. Spending just a short amount of time with these fluffy animals is a great way to de-stress.
- Bonding: one of the most important benefits of physical touch is the release of oxytocin, a hormone that promotes feelings of relaxation and bonding. Patting a goat or Shetland pony can help release oxytocin, which can in turn reduce anxiety.
- Happiness: there’s far more to animal therapy than just the cuteness factor. Come meet the Shetland ponies and goats and we guarantee you’ll leave feeling calmer and happier than when you arrived.
To guarantee your spot, please book onto one of the available time slots. You will be part of a group, and you can arrive anytime within the 30 minutes. Please do not book more than one time slot across both days - this is to ensure as many students and staff are able to benefit from the event as possible.
Capacity: The maximum capacity of this session is 200 per half hour slot, apart from between 10:30 - 11:30AM where we will be hosting a quieter hour. During this time numbers will be limited to 50 per half our slot.
Accessibility information:
- This space has step-free access.
- This space is outside in the Main Quad and will be busy with lots of people and noise from other events.
- Guide dogs and personal assistant/carers are welcome.
- We will have ear defenders available for students and staff to borrow at the Festival. You can collect a pair from the North Cloisters.
If you have any access requirements or adjustments, just let us know using the event booking form.
This event is part of UCL’s Thrive Festival.
Thrive Festival is UCL’s first ever wellbeing festival, a collaboration between UCL Students’ Union, Student Support and Wellbeing Services, and UCL200. We can’t wait to welcome students and staff to our Bloomsbury and East campuses for a Festival dedicated to your wellbeing.
Thrive Festival is a three-day celebration of UCL’s commitment to wellbeing. Providing opportunities to have fun, meet people, try something new, and find out more about support available