What an ape-solute treat – local care home residents receive the VIP treatment at zoo

A care home in Quorn has made hiss-tory with a very special trip to the zoo.

The team at Care UK’s Lonsdale Mews, on Farley Way, arranged for animal-loving residents to get up close with creatures great and small.

Residents, including Eileen, Anne, Rosalie, Jo, Gloria, Beryl, Jennifer and Trish, had the chance to visit a host of interesting animals, including chimpanzees, tropical birds and butterflies, as part of the fun day out to Twycross Zoo. 

Residents were also able to learn interesting facts about each of the creatures and admire them up close. They were also allowed to handle and feed the friendly birds.

To top the day off, the team at Twycross Zoo also arranged a special cream tea for residents to enjoy after meeting the exotic animals.

With many residents having fond memories of taking their children to Twycross Zoo in their younger years, the trip also meant they were able to be able to walk down memory lane and reminisce.

Commenting on the exciting day, resident Ann, said: “I had a fantastic day, it brought back lovely memories from when I was a youngster! My favourites were the chimpanzees and remembering the tea adverts on TV, as well as the birds that we got to see up close.”

Toby Sturgess, Home Manager at Lonsdale Mews, said: “We are always looking to plan interesting and exciting activities for residents, and as so many have a keen interest in nature and wildlife, we thought why not make a special visit to the zoo for a fun day trip.    

“We had a fantastic day at the zoo meeting beautiful parrots and chimpanzees, and you could see from residents’ reactions how excited they were by the chance to get up close to such a variety of animals. We know just how beneficial animal therapy can be for older people, and being close to animals can help lift a person’s mood and encourage social interaction, so it was fantastic to see the smiles on everyone’s faces.

“It was an absolutely wonderful day – and we can’t wait to organise our next day out!”

Lonsdale Mews offers full-time residential and dementia care, as well as short-term respite. The home incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities and includes its own cinema, hairdressing salon and café. The layout of the building is configured into a series of individual suites, each having a dedicated lounge/dining room to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities.

To find out more about Lonsdale Mews, please call Customer Relations Manager, Jenny Cartwright, on 01509 801 587, email jenny.cartwright@careuk.com

For more general information, visit careuk.com/lonsdale-mews