This is Bird Note.

After nearly three years of Russian attacks in Ukraine,

the Kyiv Zoo has developed a thriving animal therapy program

that's helped nearly 200,000 people dealing with the trauma of war.

The program focuses on children and adults from the most and people dealing with the trauma of war.

The program focuses on children and adults from the most impacted parts of Ukraine,

forced migrants, and members of the military, especially those who have lost limbs.

They're able to spend guided time with reptiles, insects, and birds, such as this white-rumped shama.

Valentina Cardoneva, the head of the information and educational department at the Keeves Zoo,

says that the program works closely with hospitals and aims to reduce anxiety and the symptoms of severe depression.

In cases where people find it too overwhelming to visit psychotherapists,

simply spending time with animals and hearing sounds of birds like this black swan can be a more accessible way to start addressing trauma.

Even in the face of continued Russian missile attacks on the city and with the zoo staffed down by 19 employees who enlisted in the armed forces, the keepers of the

Keeves Zoo are working around the clock to keep their services for animals and people thriving.

For Bird Note, I'm Ariana Rimmel.