Cincinnati Zoo to host free stuffed animal clinic

Casey Weldon

A woman with glasses and a stethoscope examines a tiger plush at a pretend clinic, as a child in a purple dress watches; a CLINIC STATION sign is visible. — The upcoming Stuffed Animal Clinic teaches kids about real animals, too. Photo: Courtesy of the Cincinnati Zoo

The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden will care for worn-out teddy bears, stuffed giraffes and other beloved plush pals during its upcoming Stuffed Animal Clinic.

House calls: Kids can bring their favorite stuffed animal for a check-up — or even an "emergency" repair — from volunteer "doctors" armed with stethoscopes, flashlights, tongue depressors, and needles and thread.

Kids receive a stuffed animal "patient" chart with a health checklist, wellness rating and care tips for their favorite plush pal.
Along the way, they'll identify their stuffed animal's species and size and learn what veterinarians check during a real animal exam.

What they're saying: "While kids are helping their plush pals feel better, they'll also discover how our veterinarians and animal care teams keep Zoo animals healthy and help protect wildlife right here in Ohio," volunteer program manager Brittany Garera-Stapleton said in a zoo news release.

If you go: The free clinic runs from 9am-3pm July 29.

Make a reservation to receive priority at check-in.

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Cincinnati Zoo to host free stuffed animal clinic

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