Newly designed toys for elephants at Buttonwood Park Zoo
Handshouse Studio Toys for Animals participants are delivering a newly designed set of toys for beloved elephants, Ruth and Emily, tomorrow!
JOIN US at Buttonwood Park Zoo In New Bedford, MA, TOMORROW SUNDAY May 5th, 2024 from 9:30am-1pm!
We are marking the 14th anniversary of this remarkable collaboration and want to share it with the community!
Since 2010, Handshouse Studio has created enrichment objects for animals through unique design/build workshops focused on enriching the wellbeing of animals in zoos and sanctuaries. Originally known as Toys for Elephants, the expanded Handshouse Studio: Toys for Animals project is meeting many critical needs including:
2024 Handshouse Studio: Toys for Animals participants from Massachusetts College of Art and Design in Boston with their enrichment object, ready for delivery. (Boston, MA)
1. Animal Wellbeing and Environmental Conversation
2. Innovative Hands-on learning for colleges, schools, and communities
3. Environmental and Social Justice
4. Connecting community through service in real-world challenges
5. Expanding Access to Conservation Sciences and the arts
6. Cultivating Empathy, Curiosity, and Empowerment
Over the past 13 years, Toys for Animals has been offered in partnership with Massachusetts College of Art and Design, Boston, MA, Montserrat College of Art, Beverly, MA, Washington University, (St Louis, MA) Norwell High School, Norwell, MA, Apponequet Regional High School, Lakeville, MA, Boston Prep Charter School, Boston, MA, the Buttonwood Park Zoo, New Bedford, MA Zoo New England, Boston, MA and BEES Elephant Sanctuary, in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Handshouse Toys for Animals projects have shown the potential to support more species, participants, and zoos and so we are thrilled the list of collaborating partners is growing!