Weyburn's Therapeutic Animal Park is a hidden gem that many visitors don't even know exists.

The Therapeutic Animal Park was originally built on the grounds of the Saskatchewan Hospital in the 70's. It was created by a group of dedicated hospital maintenance workers for the enjoyment and therapeutic treatment of the hospital residents. It housed mainly farm animals that the residents were familiar with, giving them a sense of home during their hospital stay. Eventually the Saskatchewan Hospital became Souris Valley Extended Care Home and the Animal Park began growing in popularity with both the hospital patients and the community.

In 1985, Don Sealy took over the care and maintenance of the Animal Park. He, his family and various volunteers have worked hard to keep the Animal Park thriving and growing, adding a children's play area in honour of his Dad, Frank Sealy. Frank, along with many of the other residents, loved watching the animals and children enjoying the park.

In 2005, the Souris Valley Extended Care Home was demolished and Tatagwa View was built. The Therapeutic Animal Park got a new home across from Tatagwa. A lot of work and many long hours were put in, with the help of many great volunteers. Don and his helpers moved the entire park, along with all of the animals as well.

Today, the Therapeutic Animal Park is still thriving under Don's care, with various volunteers that are welcome anytime. A number of years ago Don suffered a stroke that still seriously effects his everyday life. Which means that the need for volunteers has been far greater since the incident.

"Don appreciates the help," said Norma Sealy, Don's wife. "Don had a stroke, so he can only use one arm. So he does everything that he can. Over the years we've had different groups come in and volunteer to clean. Just to clean everying up real nice. We didn't have that this year, but we have other years had that and it's been really nice."

The park houses goats, sheep, alpacas, pot bellied pigs, a miniature horse, a mule and various birds. As a non profit organization, they rely solely on the generosity of the community and park visitors to keep them going. Just to keep the park running it can cost Don anywhere from $1000 to $2000 a month.

"This year Don's been struggling a bit," added Sealy. "Him and the team decided to keep the animals over the winter this year and of course that's a lot of feed and maintenance. So it's a little bit of a struggle right now. They buy everything they need. Don's always looking for funding for the bigger bills."

There are a number of ways that people can help out. Whether it be by volunteering to clean up, dropping off food items for the animals, donating directly to the park, or by purchasing older animals at one of Don's auctions.

"Don is planning an auction for October 22nd," stated Sealy. "He had one last year and it was pretty good. Some people donated items as well. All of the funds raised went towards the park afterwards. They hold the auction at the Weyburn Fairgrounds with help from the Weyburn Agricultural Society. Come out in October and find yourself a nice animal to take home."

The Animal Park is open to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is always free as well. They are located just off of 1st Avenue NW in Weyburn.

"The kid's playground is also an expense," added Sealy. "It needs to be maintained and kept up to code. We can always use help with that too."

There is a donation box at the park, but due to theft and vandals it is safer to contact Don Sealy directly to make a donation.

"This year hasn't been too bad for vandalism at least," Sealy said. "We have had many issues with it in the past though. Don tries to empty the donation box everyday now because of people stealing the donations."

Don works hard to keep the Therapeutic Animal Park open for children to enjoy. Hopefully, with the help of the community, the park will be around for many more years.

Photos below are courtesy of Tara Sealy Chuckry, daughter of Don and Norma Sealy.