Withens Nursing Home Welcomes a Menagerie of Wonderous Animals – A Special Day Inspired by Resident Heather
At Withens Nursing Home in Southfleet, every day brings something new, thanks to the creativity and dedication of the Lifestyle Team.
Through meaningful conversations with residents and their families, the team shapes engaging weekly activity planners tailored to residents’ hobbies, interests, and aspirations. These heartfelt interactions often spark truly memorable events, as was the case when Heather, one of Withens’ residents, shared an enchanting childhood memory.
Heather fondly recounted an unusual story from her youth: “My childhood friend had a snake as a pet. His father had acquired it after winning a bet at the local pub. I was absolutely fascinated and begged my parents for one, but my mother was terrified of snakes, so it was always a no!”
Though Heather later surrounded herself with more conventional pets—dogs, cats, and even hamsters—her fascination with exotic animals never faded. She satisfied her curiosity by visiting zoos and wildlife centres, such as Eagle Heights Wildlife Foundation in Dartford.
Inspired by Heather’s tale, Lifestyle Lead Nadia had a brilliant idea. “We love animals here at Withens Nursing Home, and we often host animal visits. I immediately thought of ZooLab, who had visited us before with their incredible array of exotic creatures. When I shared Heather’s story with them, they were thrilled to help bring her childhood fascination to life.”
A Day to Remember with ZooLab
ZooLab, known for its ethical and engaging animal encounters, provided a therapeutic and educational experience for the
Withens community. Their skilled presenters introduced the residents to an exciting line-up of creatures, including a corn snake named Silk, hissing cockroaches, a scorpion, an Amazon tree frog, an African giant snail, and enormous stick insects.
For Heather, meeting Silk was a dream come true. “It brought back so many memories,” she said, beaming as she gently held the snake. Other residents and staff were equally captivated, with everyone eager to hold or touch at least one of the fascinating animals.
Animal Therapy at Its Best
The event was more than just fun—it also supported residents’ mental wellbeing. Animal therapy sessions like these can reduce anxiety, spark conversations, and create unforgettable shared experiences.
“Seeing the joy on everyone’s faces was priceless,” Nadia said. “For Heather, it was a chance to relive a childhood dream, and for others, it was a new and exciting experience.”
This heart-warming day is a perfect example of how Withens Nursing Home goes above and beyond to create enriching and joyful experiences for its residents.
