Ilfracombe Nursing Home Says Hello to some Unusual Animals!
An unusual collection of visitors recently arrived at Edenmore Nursing Home, based in North Devon, as family members (residents) welcomed some furry, feathered and scaly friends from Exmoor Zoo.
Those interested in taking part came together in one of the home’s lounges, where they eagerly awaited the arrival of Exmoor Zoo’s Stephen Eddy and Caitlin Hannam, who had brought along several animals for everyone to meet, with the opportunity to hold or stroke them if they wished.
Among the visitors were a barn owl, a meerkat, a snake and a few creepy crawlies, including a stick insect and a cockroach. The latter wasn’t quite as popular with Home Manager Gayle Cooper, who wasn’t keen to get too close!
As each animal was introduced, Stephen shared interesting facts about its habits and characteristics, with family members Jillian, Colin, Peter and Don particularly keen to ask questions and learn more. The afternoon was as informative as it was interactive, with plenty of opportunities to get a closer look at animals they might not ordinarily encounter.
Another talking point was a giant shed snakeskin, which was passed around for everyone to hold and feel. Its size prompted plenty of interest, although it was the meerkat and barn owl that proved to be the stars of the day, with family members taking turns to gently stroke them.
Jillian, who has a particular love of animals, had been especially looking forward to the visit and was all smiles when it was her turn to stroke the barn owl and took a keen interest in learning about the different animals. After the experience, Jillian decided she’d quite like to stay downstairs a little longer to look out at the sea from the home’s conservatory.
The afternoon also welcomed a younger and more regular visitor, Home Manager Gayle’s grandson Flynn, who was eager to take part in the animal encounters. Flynn and his older brothers have grown up regularly visiting Edenmore and spending time with family members, becoming familiar faces around the home.
Flynn was particularly taken with the meerkat, enjoying the chance to stroke him, before sharing a cuddle with family member Carol, who is especially fond of children.
For those with a lifelong love of animals, like Jillian, the visit was a chance to continue enjoying an interest that has always been part of their lives, while others appreciated the opportunity to discover something new and experience a slightly different afternoon!
To read more about the home’s activities, events, and people living at Edenmore, visit – News & Blogs – Edenmore Nursing Home – North Devon Nursing Home