Phila. Zoo on Wheels visits children with special needs

KENSINGTON (WPVI) -- The Philadelphia Zoo on Wheels paid a visit to a therapeutic pre-school program in Kensington that helps children with special needs.

One by one the young children met Wallace the rabbit.

They didn't have to come to the zoo, instead the zoo came to them.

It's a special treat for the children who are part of a therapeutic program designed to address behavioral and mental health issues.

"Having them exposed to animals at an early age, we think will be helpful," said Malcolm Musgrove, NHS Human Services.

The little ones are part of the Parents and Children Together program or PACT which is run through NHS Human Services.

William has been in the program two years. His mother says before he enrolled, he had problems focusing and could not adjust to social settings.

"I appreciate it a lot. It's very helpful, he learned a lot in this program and learned how to control himself," said Jessica Rosario.

What's unique about the program is that it's only for children ages 3 to 5 and it addresses the child's needs by involving the parents

"The parent comes in and does a session with the child and the therapist once a month and we also do activities in the afternoons," said Rosario.

The visit from the zoo won the whole family over and hopefully provided a unique experience for the special group of children.