A walk on the wild side – Witney care home resident fulfils wish to visit zoo

A resident at a care home in Witney was delighted when her wish to revisit one of her favourite childhood places was made a reality.

When the team at Care UK’s Millers Grange on Curbridge Road learned that 91-year-old animal-loving Megan Somerville used to take regular family trips to the local zoo and was keen to relive the experience, they were determined to make it happen.

During her time volunteering as a Brown Owl with her local Brownies group in her younger days, Megan would often take the children on trips to the local zoo, enjoying seeing all the animals and having the chance to learn more about them.

When her own children were older, Megan and her family would enjoy regular days out to Cotswold Wildlife Park, with Megan teaching her grandchildren about the animals she had grown so fond of – especially the lions, tigers, monkeys and giraffes.  

To help Megan’s wish come true, the team arranged for her to return to Cotswold Wildlife Park for the first time in many years, where they arranged a VIP experience with the giraffes. Megan was able to get up close and personal with the gentle creatures and was also one of the Park’s first visitors lucky enough to meet the baby rhinos, which were born in August.

Commenting on the trip, Megan said: “I had such a wonderful day, I couldn’t possibly choose my favourite part! It was such a unique experience I never imagined I’d have the chance to do – stroking the rhinos, meeting the giraffes and seeing the lions up close was amazing!”

Mark Godwin, Head Keeper at Cotswold Wildlife Park, added: “It was an absolute pleasure to welcome Megan and help the team at Millers Grange fulfil her wish. Megan is a natural with animals – the rhinos took such a shine to her they came over immediately!”

The visit was part of the home’s Wishing Tree initiative, which encourages residents to put wishes forward, allowing them to reconnect with a past hobby or try something completely new – from flying a plane to enjoying a fish and chip supper, no wish is too big or small.

Alison Parry, Home Manager at Millers Grange, said: “Megan is a huge animal-lover – she’s always sharing fond memories of trips with her family to the wildlife park, so when she shared that she’d love to visit again, the team knew they had to make it happen.

“The Wishing Tree is a fantastic way for residents to share their dreams and interests, and it’s incredibly rewarding to be able to make these a reality. Megan had a wonderful time and loved getting the full VIP treatment.

“I’d like to extend a big thank you to the team here at Millers Grange, as well as the amazing zookeepers at Cotswold Wildlife Park for making Megan’s day such a special one – she hasn’t stopped smiling since!”

Millers Grange is a modern care home which provides full-time residential, dementia and end-of-life care, as well as short-term respite care. Designed to enable its residents to live enjoyable and fulfilling lives, the care home has its very own cinema and hair salon, and there is plenty of space both in and outdoors for relaxation and recreation.