There were smiles, laughter, and even a few nervous giggles at Douglas Court Care Home in Derby this week, as residents took part in a truly unforgettable day out at the zoo — complete with a close encounter with some very tall, very hungry giraffes!
Organised as part of the home’s ‘Make a Wish’ initiative, the outing was centred around resident Pauline, whose wish was to visit the zoo to fed the animals. She got far more than she bargained for when she was handed a branch of leaves and asked to feed the giraffes — an experience she later admitted was “a little scary, but worth it!”
“I didn’t quite expect them to be so close,” Pauline said, laughing. “But it’s a day I’ll always remember — even if I let someone else do the feeding next time!”
Despite the giraffe jitters, Pauline and her fellow residents were in high spirits all day, soaking up the sunshine and enjoying every moment of the outing. For many, it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience they never imagined they’d get the chance to do.
“It was honestly one of the loveliest days we’ve had,” said a member of the care team. “We’ve never seen our residents’ faces light up like they did yesterday — it was a beautiful reminder of why we do what we do.”
From mischievous meerkats to majestic lions, the residents had a wild time exploring the zoo, topped off with ice cream and shared stories on the ride home. The day was part of Douglas Court’s ongoing mission to make dreams come true and help residents live life to the fullest — no matter their age.
“Our ‘Make a Wish’ days are all about celebrating individuality and giving our residents new experiences they’ve always dreamed of,” said the Home Manager. “It’s about saying yes to joy, adventure, and a little bit of fun!”
Douglas Court Care Home continues to champion meaningful moments and resident-led care, showing that it’s never too late to try something new — even if it’s feeding giraffes with a slightly shaky hand!
For more information or pictures from the day, check out our Facebook Page.
Or for more information on life at Harrier House, visit our homes page.