Hop to it! Animal visit wows Edinburgh care home residents

Residents in Edinburgh were given a special surprise when some unusual visitors hopped, slithered and waddled into their care home.

Everyone at Care UK's Murrayside, on South Beechwood, was treated to a special morning of animal fun when a bearded dragon, red foot tortoise, giant land snail, rabbit and a larger-than-life albino python visited the home. 

The animals were brought into the home by Cool Creatures, and are friendly, relaxed animals which are used to human contact. Residents had the exciting opportunity to admire the animals up close, and even stroke and hold them too. 

The afternoon saw the animal theme continue, with a visit from Rebecca Parr, Community and Discovery Programme Officer at Edinburgh Zoo, who hosted an informative session on panda and penguin conservation.

The day was particularly special for resident Sandra Gillon, aged 83, who volunteered at Edinburgh Zoo for over fifteen years. Sandra was thrilled to be able to hold the weird and wonderful animals and share many happy memories of her time at the zoo. 

Sandra said: "It was a great idea to have Cool Creatures bring the animals – it made for a unique day!”

Sandra always had a deep love for animals growing up, enjoying annual trips to the zoo as a child. Knowing her passion for all things animals, her parents-in-law gifted her an annual membership to Edinburgh Zoo so she could explore to her heart’s content. 

After going on a once-in-a-lifetime safari, visiting Kenya and Botswana, animal lover Sandra was inspired to volunteer at Edinburgh Zoo, where she particularly enjoyed helping in the Rhino House. Sandra loved sharing interesting facts about the rhinos with visitors, one of her favourites being that ‘their horns are made of the same material as their fingernails’.

Suzanne Welsh, Home Manager at Murrayside, said: “We are always seeking new and exciting activities for residents to enjoy. Animal therapy has proven to be incredibly beneficial for older people, as it can often prompt conversations and have a calming effect.

 

“We were delighted to welcome Cool Creatures and Rebecca from Edinburgh Zoo into the home. It was a wonderful day for everyone involved, as we have many animal lovers here at Murrayside, but it was particularly special for Sandra. 

“It was fantastic to welcome the creatures into the home, and definitely a day we will remember for a long time.”

Murrayside care home has been specially designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence. The care home incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities, and has its own cinema, hair salon and café.

To find out more about Murrayside, please contact Customer Relations Manager, Cliona Robertson, on 0131 516 2487, or email cliona.robertson@careuk.com.

For more general information, please visit careuk.com/murrayside.