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A partnership led by the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is bringing live animal experiences to children in hospitals through its 24/7 Wildlife Explorers Channel, allowing patients to watch wildlife and educational programming from their beds.
The initiative started at Rady Children’s Hospital and the Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego and has expanded to more than 400 hospitals and medical facilities across 48 U.S. states and 12 other countries, reaching an estimated 25 million viewers each year.
The channel features global wildlife footage, live zoo camera feeds, and close-up animal encounters, designed for young audiences who can’t visit in person due to health limitations.
The program has also extended to senior centers and clinics, and in 2023, tablets with the channel’s content were delivered to a children’s hospital and school in Ukraine.