I’m about to turn 50 on 1/4, got an early birthday gift of an annual membership to the zoo includes one guest accompanying me. I chose this as part of my therapy and recovery. Being around and bonding with animals is a common intervention for somatic pain disorder. I plan frequent visits, for exercise, immersion in a natural setting, stress management, and to get to know the animals, especially ones you can interact with like in the petting zoo section. I am showing some signs of recovery lately at the gym after alternating between the sauna, cold pool, and warm therapy pool, later the pain levels nearly disappearing.