Kids at Long Island hospital met animals from the San Diego Zoo

NEW HYDE PARK, Long Island (WABC) -- Young hospital patients on Long Island got a chance to meet animals more accustomed to the jungle.

An African crested porcupine and a cockatoo were among the animals taken to Cohen Children's Medical Center in New Hyde Park Thursday.

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It's part of an effort to connect kids with wildlife without leaving their hospital beds.

The program is a collaboration between the San Diego Zoo Global, Cohen Children's Medical Center and Ronald McDonald House of Long Island.

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