Residents at Ivy Court Care Home, part of the Runwood Homes Group, were treated to a unique and exciting experience this week when local animal sanctuary Reptile Rendezvous visited the home, bringing along a fascinating variety of animals for everyone to meet and learn about.
The special visit took place on 21 April 2026 and gave residents the opportunity to get up close with a range of animals, including a skunk, a meerkat, snakes, reptiles, and even a tarantula. Residents were able to hold some of the animals while learning interesting facts about them from the experienced handler.
The event created a real buzz throughout the home, with excitement and anticipation building as each new animal was introduced. One of the standout moments of the day came when the handler brought out the tarantula, and one very brave resident confidently held her while everyone else watched on in awe.
Residents shared how much they enjoyed the experience, with many saying they not only had fun but also felt they had learned something new from the visit.
Animal visits like this play an important role in supporting wellbeing, encouraging conversation, stimulating memories, and creating meaningful shared experiences for residents and staff alike. The visit from Reptile Rendezvous was a wonderful example of how engaging activities can bring joy, confidence, and connection to life at Ivy Court.
