Sick children in Brisbane’s Lady Cilento Hospital received some surprise medicine today. A pair of tiger cubs from Australia Zoo lifted spirits where it was needed most.

Mary-Clare Simpson reports.

TRANSCRIPT

They filled the hospital entrance to catch a glimpse of two special visitors.

Not your typical hospital guests, tiger cubs Scout and Delilah proved a big hit.

Vox 1: “It was wonderful, it was great to see the tiger cubs.”

Vox 2: “Absolutely beautiful, lovely way to start the day.”

Vox 3: “I think they were good, I liked the animals.”

The special visit was a big hit with the kids.

Kerry Freeman, Executive Director of the Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital: “It’s just been such a lot of excitement in the hospital today and I was coming down the lifts with a couple of our children and they were practically jumping for joy, so looking forward to seeing Scout and Delilah.”

The 13-week old cubs were a bit nervous at first, but soon warmed to their new surroundings.

More than just providing some light relief their presence also had a therapeutic effect.

Jeff Newbecker, Australia Zoo Manager of Tigers: “You see when you walk into a ward their eyes light up and I think it not only changes their day but that any time you’re near an animal it benefits when you are unwell.”

Kerry Freeman, Executive Director of the Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital: “It’s an amazing opportunity for joy and what might otherwise be a difficult day.”

This is the first time the cubs have visited the hospital and from the looks on the children’s faces, it won’t be their last.

Mary-Clare Simpson, QUT News.