Peggy’s Meerkat Wish Comes True

An animal lover achieved a wish come true when her care home arranged a trip to a zoo to see meerkats.

Peggy, who lives at Colten Care’s Avon Reach in Mudeford, Dorset, has received a different meerkat ornament from her granddaughter every birthday and Christmas for several years.

Her collection has grown so much along with her fondness for the animal she told carers of her wish to see real meerkats in person.

The Avon Reach team laid on a 72-mile round trip to Marwell Zoo by minibus, with Peggy joined by friend and fellow resident Janet.

During their visit, the pair saw an array of animals including giraffes, rhinos, red pandas and of course, Peggy’s favourites, the meerkats.

“The highlight of Peggy’s day was undoubtedly her visit to the meerkats,” said Home Manager Ruth Wildman. “She was delighted to watch them in their enclosure busy digging holes and playfully scampering around together. Their curious nature and lively personalities brought the biggest smile to her face.”

Peggy also took the opportunity to speak with one of the zookeepers, learning about baby meerkats and how they are protected by their mothers through the matriarchal nature of meerkat society.

Reflecting on her visit, Peggy said: “It was an absolutely wonderful day that I’ll always treasure.”