This week we had a visit from River’s Rodents and Reptiles at Woodstock Residential Care Home.
Our residents joined in with a live animal handling experience where they could hold and stroke different rodents and reptiles, including a blue tongued skink lizard, a corn snake, rats, Guinea pigs and a tortoise.
The animals were able to walk free in front of everyone to show us their speed and how they move on the floor. We learnt many interesting facts about each unique animal and we were amazed to find out that snakes can go without eating for six months! Everyone commented on how smooth the snake was and how cold it felt to hold.
Another interesting fact we were astonished by was that a tortoise’s heartbeat is only eight beats per minute! How interesting!
Our residents and team members were impressed with how loving the animals were and how happy they were to have a cuddle. We all impressed ourselves with how brave we were touching and holding animals we never thought we would encounter. This experience was a great way to improve health, well-being and sensory development. Stroking and interacting with animals helps to lower the heart rate and promote a sense of calm.
Everyone was able to share memories of different experiences they’d had with animals and it was a very positive experience.
Thank you River for educating us with so many interesting facts and for sharing your amazing animals with us – we can’t wait to have you back next year!
