Willow the donkey meets residents at Exeter care home

Staff at RMBI Home Cadogan Court in Exeter, have teamed up with The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth, to bring some interesting animals to meet with residents.

The donkey handling team brought Willow, the miniature donkey, with them to the care home on Barley Lane on Friday 23 May.  Willow has a calm nature and has been trained to go down corridors. He visited residents in different parts of the Home with his handlers, and enjoyed eating ginger biscuits and carrots.  During the session, residents were also able to learn how to care for the donkeys and about the sanctuary’s work to help protect the animals and educate people about them.

Activities Coordinator Angela Webb, said: “Having Willow and The Donkey Sanctuary team come to the Home was a real learning experience for both residents and staff. Willow even went to meet some residents who are unable to get around easily, by going to their rooms.  We’re always looking for different ways to help entertain and stimulate our residents and support them to stay involved in the local community.”

The Donkey Sanctuary has been helping to transform the lives of donkeys, mules and people worldwide through greater understanding, collaboration and support since 1969.