Heard SEU Brought a Zoo to Campus

On January 14, the "Heartwarming Haven with Animal Ambassadors" event, organized by the Mental Health Education Center of Southeast University in Rooms 421 and 322 of the Student Activity Center, became a sanctuary of healing for the entire university community. This three-hour interactive session with adorable animals offered students, overwhelmed by the pressures of final exams and academic demands, a long-awaited sense of ease and warmth through close contact with their furry and feathered friends.

On-Site Snapshot: A Gentle, Mutual Connection

Every corner of the event space radiated a sense of warm. Bambi, the gentle fawn, carried an aura of a "forest spirit"; when she looked up with her dewy eyes, even breathing seemed to quiet. The capybara, true to its reputation as the "epitome of zen in the animal kingdom," remained perfectly composed as students gently stroked it, exuding a naturally soothing presence. The raccoons, Honey and Laicai, playfully pawed at the treats offered and curled into fluffy balls, instantly melting everyone’s hearts. The sheep, Pearl and Milk Tea, had irresistibly soft wool, while the four Call ducks, including Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan, added liveliness to the atmosphere with their cheerful quacks. "So cute!," "Sweetie," "Look at the duckies," "Aww, the sheep…"—participants at the scene almost instinctively shifted into "baby talk" upon seeing the adorable animals, who charmed everyone completely.

A Psychological Perspective: The Scientific Basis of Animal-Assisted Healing

Why does interacting with adorable animals help us instantly let our guard down and heal? The answer lies in solid psychological principles, providing scientific support for this "healing encounter."

Stress Reduction Mechanism: A Regulator for Cortisol

Long-term academic stress and interpersonal anxiety can lead to elevated cortisol levels (a stress hormone), impacting mood and overall well-being. In contrast, interacting with animals—through gentle touch and engaging with their endearing behavior—stimulates the brain to release dopamine (a pleasure-related neurotransmitter) and oxytocin (a bonding-related hormone). These positive neurochemicals effectively inhibit cortisol secretion, helping us quickly disengage from feelings of tension and anxiety, much like a soothing massage for an overstressed nervous system.

Emotional Regulation Function: A Buffer for Negative Emotions

Animals inhabit a world of pure simplicity. Their companionship is offered without any agenda, and this natural acceptance and healing allow us to temporarily set aside life’s worries and complications. When we shift our focus from "unfinished papers" or "upcoming exams" to interacting with an animal, we provide our emotions with a "pause." Negative emotions gradually dissipate during this focused engagement, replaced by positive, joyful psychological experiences. These experiences help us rediscover vitality and hope.

Extending the Tenderness: Discovering Healing Moments in Everyday Life

Though this special encounter with the animals has concluded, the power of healing remains ever-present. In fact, life’s small pleasures are often hidden in fleeting moments: sunlight filtering through leaves on an afternoon, a warm meal handed to you by a cafeteria server, a thoughtful word from a friend… Just as time with animals can heal the mind, these ordinary moments can serve as "psychological energy stations" to help us cope with stress.

May we all carry forward the warmth gained from this event, nurturing our sensitivity to life’s small beauties, actively seeking moments of healing amidst our busy routines, and allowing mental well-being to become a natural part of daily life. For additional psychological support, the Mental Health Education Center of Southeast University is always here for you!