Snakes, Snails and Smiles for World Animal Day
On the 4th of October, we celebrated World Animal Day at Trinity House with a special visit from Zoo Lab. We were all looking forward to the visit as we love seeing animals of all kinds, big and small. From fluffy Guinea pigs to the more unusual creatures like giant African land snails, animals are always welcome in our home.
Zoo Lab's visit was a unique opportunity for our residents and staff to learn about and interact with some fascinating (and unusual) creatures. The day was a wonderful reminder of how animals can enrich our lives, providing educational value and emotional connection.
Meeting Fascinating Creatures from Zoo Lab
Our day started with the introduction of an unexpected guest—a giant African land snail. This snail is much larger than any snail we've got in the garden! We learned about its natural habitat, how it thrives, and the fascinating details of its anatomy. What’s more, our residents had the opportunity to hold the snail—many were brave enough to do so, and it was quite the topic of conversation throughout the day!
Next, we were introduced to a hissing cockroach, a creature that often gets a bad reputation but it turned out to be quite a hit. It was followed by a visit from a tree frog, an adorable and vibrant addition to the event, and a rather impressive tarantula. Although some of us might have been hesitant at first, it was a surprise to see just how calm and intrigued everyone became once they had the chance to observe the spider up close.
To round off the visit, Zoo Lab brought out their corn snake, which surprisingly gentle and calm, allowed those who wished to hold it to do so.
The Benefits of Bringing Animals into a Care Home
For many of our residents, animals evoke fond memories of pets they once had or experiences from their younger days. But beyond the sentimental value, there are real, measurable benefits to having animals in care settings, especially for elderly residents. Studies show that spending time with animals can lower stress levels, reduce feelings of loneliness, and even improve physical health by encouraging light activity and increasing serotonin levels. These interactions can be especially meaningful for those living with dementia, as animals often have a calming and soothing effect.
The presence of animals has been shown to improve mood, stimulate social interaction, and help maintain a routine that provides structure to a person’s day. For some residents, the simple act of holding an animal can bring a sense of comfort and reassurance. For many elderly individuals, the sense of companionship that animals provide can fill a void that might otherwise be difficult to address. The unconditional love of animals offers comfort in a way that sometimes words cannot.
More Animal Magic at Trinity House
We make every effort to ensure that our residents can enjoy the benefits of interacting with animals, not just on special occasions like World Animal Day, but throughout the year. Whether it’s through visits from therapy animals, or by creating opportunities for our residents to engage with nature, we recognise the holistic value these interactions bring.
We plan to continue incorporating animal visits into our calendar of events—the feedback from our residents and staff has been overwhelmingly positive. World Animal Day may only come around once a year, but at Trinity House, the joy of interacting with animals is something we plan to bring to our residents all year round.
If you'd like to know more about the activities we offer at Trinity House Care Home in Edinburgh then you can read more here, or get in touch and we'd be happy to discuss our all-inclusive care.
