How a new Muscat zoo-like exhibition is helping children grow more confident and calm

Observer

23-06-2025

'I've never seen my son this calm and focused,' said Amal Hashami, a mum of three, as she watched her five-year-old gently feed a rabbit. 'He usually gets anxious in new places, but here, he's really at ease.' That moment captures exactly why so many parents are heading to Fins & Tails, a new animal exhibition in Muscat that's quickly getting noticed—not just for the animals, but for what it's doing for children's mental health.
How a new Muscat zoo-like exhibition is helping children grow more confident and calm
Fins & Tails is a special kind of place. It's a well-thought-out space created by brothers Ayman and Mousa Awlad Ahmed. It's full of animals – some common pets, others a bit more exotic like snakes, iguanas, raccoons, and colourful parrots. Kids get to get up close and personal with them under the watchful eyes of experienced staff. But what really sets it apart is the real impact on children's emotional and psychological well-being.
How a new Muscat zoo-like exhibition is helping children grow more confident and calm
Ayman Awlad Ahmed explains, 'We've always believed animals can bring out something good in children. When a kid touches or feeds them, you see their expression change—they become curious, happy, and surprisingly peaceful. Parents often tell us, 'My child is usually restless, but here, they were patient and focused', and that's what matters.'
There's plenty of science to back this up. Renowned research shows that interacting with animals can lower stress levels, boost mood, and even help children with behavioural challenges.
How a new Muscat zoo-like exhibition is helping children grow more confident and calm
The American Psychological Association has highlighted how contact with animals can improve emotional regulation. Children who care for pets tend to feel less anxious and lonely, and studies from universities in the UK and the US have repeatedly demonstrated how animals help children develop empathy and social skills.
Many parents have been surprised by the change they see in their kids. 'My daughter struggles with confidence at school,' said Ali Alsaidi, whose seven-year-old had never held a snake before. After the visit, she kept saying she felt brave. 'It was a real confidence boost for her,' he added.
How a new Muscat zoo-like exhibition is helping children grow more confident and calm
The experience isn't just for kids. Adults are also daring to get involved—sometimes for the first time. Maryam Issa told us she never thought she'd touch a scorpion or snake, but she did it with the supervision of the expert team. 'It gave me confidence, taught me self-control, and helped me manage my emotions better,' she said.
What's impressive about Fins & Tails is how well it combines fun, safety, and education. Many parents mentioned they wish the place could be available in more regions. They see it as more than a visit—they see it as a way to teach chldren empathy, responsibility, and resilience.
How a new Muscat zoo-like exhibition is helping children grow more confident and calm
In today's fast-paced, screen-heavy world, places like Fins & Tails offer a welcome break. It's a chance to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature—and yourself. For children, a simple moment spent with a rabbit or a colourful bird may be the start of a lifelong appreciation for animals, and even lead to a calmer, more confident attitude.
Science and studies support what many parents are witnessing. The CDC in the United States reports that children who interact with animals frequently experience lower levels of anxiety and stress.
How a new Muscat zoo-like exhibition is helping children grow more confident and calm
Experts say that the act of caring and touching animals stimulates a part of the brain linked to emotional regulation and social bonding. It's not just about fun—these moments can be truly healing.
esearch from the University of Cambridge even suggests that children who grow up around animals tend to develop better social skills and feelings of empathy. Animals act as non-judgemental companions, teaching kids patience, kindness, and responsibility — qualities that help in school and in social situations.
How a new Muscat zoo-like exhibition is helping children grow more confident and calm
And for many children, those moments might be the first step in developing a lifelong love of nature, fostering their confidence, and helping them manage their emotions better. It's about more than just petting animals; it's about building connections, nurturing empathy, and creating memories that can shape their emotional wellbeing for years to come.
How a new Muscat zoo-like exhibition is helping children grow more confident and calm
Ultimately, places like Fins & Tails prove that sometimes, the simplest interactions—feeding a rabbit or holding a colourful bird—can have a powerful impact. They remind us all that caring for animals isn't just enjoyable; it's a gateway to personal growth and happiness for children. As science supports, these experiences are valuable tools in helping children become more resilient, compassionate, and peaceful individuals.
How a new Muscat zoo-like exhibition is helping children grow more confident and calm
With parents openly sharing their children's positive changes, more kids are getting the chance to experience the calming, confidence-boosting effects of close contact with animals. As the interest continues to grow, hopefully, similar centres will spring up in other regions, spreading the good that come from caring, touching, and respecting the animals around us. Because at the end of the day, those simple moments of connection can make a big difference.