Residents at HC-One’s White Gables Care Home in Lincoln enjoyed a visit from some unusual animals when exotic Animal Handler Tony Butler visited the home.
Staff at White Gables organized for Tony to visit the Residents with exotic animals including a pygmy hedgehog called Snowball, Dougie the Bearded Dragon, a very friendly Milk Snake, a Pole Cat, a tarantula and even some creepy crawlies such as millipedes. Tony had a lovely relationship with the Residents and took the animals around the room giving each Resident the opportunity to touch and hold them. All the residents were keen to get involved and really enjoyed holding the unusual creatures.
Many staff ran in fear when faced with the hairy eight legged creatures but all except three residents were more than happy to handle it. Wellbeing coordinator Katherine Trevor became very attached to Dougie.
Tony was very grateful for the lunch provided and all of the staff, Residents and visitors were grateful for his patience and attention to all the Residents and spending so much time making sure everyone involved had the best experience possible.
HC-One White Gables wellbeing coordinator, Katherine Trevor, said:
“I can’t wait for the summer when Tony’s back with the birds of prey.”
HC-One Karen Holmes, Administrator said:
“I’m eternally grateful that nobody made me go near the big spiders, thank you Katherine!”
Jean Pickford, resident said:
“I’m surprised how dry and smooth the snake felt!”