San Diego Zoo Global conservationists reared young desert tortoises for one to two years before the planned release—a strategy referred to as “headstarting,” which provides a safe environment during their most vulnerable period, before translocating to the native habitat.

Young patients, their families and invited guests were treated to a virtual adventure, complete with meeting animal ambassadors from the Saint Louis Zoo—at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital earlier today (Oct. 22, 2020).