Local senior citizens treated to animal fun
They loved the opportunity to give the babies their milk bottles and to feed them carrots and cabbage.
Residents and staff of Ron Smith Care Centre were treated to some farmyard fun when baby farm animals paid a visit.
On November 10, groups gathered at the Woodlands Garden area to await the much-anticipated arrival of the young animals.
A short while after waiting someone shouted: “Look, here they come!”
A brown pony came trotting along, with a kid, sheep, lamb and calf skittering after it.
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“Everyone enjoyed interacting with these adorable creatures. They loved the opportunity to give the babies their milk bottles and to feed them carrots and cabbage,” said Debbie Christen, the care centre’s manager of recreational programmes.
During the feeding, it was soon learnt that most of the babies turned their noses up at the cabbage and much preferred the carrots.
“The residents were delighted to stroke and cuddle some cute baby bunnies. They had a wonderful time bonding with all the farmyard animals in the morning sunshine.”
Debbie said it has been well-documented that interacting with animals can be beneficial to overall health and well-being.
“The physical and visual contact can be calming, soothing and relaxing. It can lower blood pressure, and reduce stress and anxiety,” said Debbie.
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She said it was wonderful to witness the joy and delight of the residents as they interacted with the animals.
Smiles became broader when the ice cream trolley was wheeled around.
“It was the perfect ending to a very pleasant morning,” said Debbie.
