Residents enchanted by animal magic

Residents cooed over a menagerie of weird and wonderful animals during a visit from Creature Teachers

We hosted a Bearded Dragon, a snake and even an African Pygmy Hedgehog called Peri Pickles.

Rebecca Osborne, a member of our companionship team at Amberwood House, said: “The visit from Creature Teachers was a huge success.

“Animal specialists Lisa and Jade introduced us firstly to Abraham the bearded dragon and Luna the Albino Corn Snake – Luna apparently eats four mice every two weeks, which he swallows whole.

“I wasn’t sure how many takers there would be to actually touch Luna, but most of our residents gradually felt brave enough and said they were surprised how soft his skin was.”

Resident Mary Whitehouse, said: “I couldn’t see myself holding a snake, but surprised myself today!”

Peri Prickles, the three-year-old African Pygmy hedgehog, was a bit shy to start with, but gradually came out of his tight ball and delighted resident Pat Fisher with his endearingly cute face and twitchy pink nose.

Perci the rabbit was also hugely popular with most residents who were keen to have a stroke of his soft fur.

Last, but certainly not least, was majestic Barn Owl ‘Echo’. And willing residents were able to wear a special glove and watch as Echo flew towards them and perched on their hand.

Rebecca said: “Wilma smiled and exclaimed: “Heaven” when Echo landed on her hand. It was clearly a priceless special moment she will never forget.”

Two residents are particularly fond of owls – Ray O’Neil and Amy Brown both used to rescue the birds in their younger years – and both were happy to recall some of their memories.

Ray delighted some of his fellow residents by sharing stories from his past role as an RSPCA Inspector.

Resident Judy Brown summed up the visit with: “It was an amazing experience.”