Bristol care home resident has wild time on safari

A resident at a care home in Bristol had a roaring good time as her wish to visit the zoo came true. 

The team from Care UK’s Trymview Hall, on Southmead Road in Westbury-on-Trym, arranged for animal-lover Janice Thorne, 83, to meet and feed a host of furry and feathered friends at Longleat Safari Park.

 

From admiring rhinos and penguins to sharing laughs with cheeky meerkats and monkeys, Janice enjoyed a fun-filled, hands-on day.

Janice and the team also embarked on the drive-through safari, getting up close to the zebras, giraffes and lions.

Janice said: “It was such a magical day. It was lovely to see the wild animals again; I never thought I would get that close to them. There was such a variety, it was such a happy day!”

The trip to the zoo was part of the care home’s ongoing commitment to helping residents live rewarding lives and stay connected to their passions and the wider community.

Nicole Anderson, Home Manager at Trymview Hall, said: “It was a truly memorable day for all involved. Watching Janice reconnect with old memories and exploring new experiences was wonderful to see.

“The smile on her face was so heartwarming. It’s this kind of outing that brings so much happiness and creates lasting memories for residents, and we’re proud to make them happen.”

This special outing was made possible through Care UK’s Wishing Tree initiative, which encourages residents to share their personal ambitions. Whether it's revisiting a past hobby, enjoying a classic fish and chip supper or trying something new like flying a plane, every wish is embraced – no matter how big or small.

Trymview Hall is a state-of-the-art care home that provides full-time residential and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. The building incorporates plenty of space for hobby and leisure activities, and includes its own cinema, hair and beauty salon and pub.