'They're better than people'- Clitheroe care home residents enjoy exotic animal therapy experience
A generous donation in memory of a former animal-loving resident provided some exciting four-legged fun at a Lancashire care home.
Some slightly unusual residents have been spotted at a care home in the Ribble Valley.
Castleford care home in Clitheroe welcomed animals such a bearded dragon, skunk and a skinny pig to its home this week.
They were brought in to meet residents as part of an animal safari experience, which was organised because animal therapy can help stimulate memories, reduce anxiety and encourage social interaction.
Resident Joyce Gibson said: "They're all lovely animals, they're cute.
"I've not been involved with animals for a long time, so this is new to me, but they're delightful, I think they're lovely."
Another resident, Margot Fall, said: "They're better than people.
"I was brought up on a farm with cows, sheep and horses, but some of the others never see animals so it's good for them."
Castleford is one of 16 care homes managed by Lancashire County Council and regularly organises activities that benefit both the emotional and physical wellbeing of its residents.
The animal safari was funded by a generous donation in memory of a former resident, Glenda Pickover, who sadly passed away in January 2026 aged 81.
Her family have helped to raise money for the care home with events including a sponsored walk across Morecambe Bay which some staff members also took part in.
Glenda's daughter, Beverley Howard, said: "Castleford was always homely and friendly and as well as massively missing my mum, I miss going there too. The staff are so caring and lovely towards the residents and there is always a lot going on.
"I took my 3-year-old daughter Freya one day and there were birds of prey flying around the living room. We had a street party for VE Day and my mum was singing which was really emotional for me because my mum barely spoke or conversed towards the end, so to see her singing along to Que Sera Sera was very special.
"To do something in my mum's name is really nice and she was an animal lover so it's quite fitting that they had an animal safari. She would have enjoyed it and I'm sure it would make her smile."
County Councillor Tom Pickup, cabinet member for Adult Social Care, said: "Experiences like this make a real difference to residents and their wellbeing, and the animal safari also created memories and sparked conversations among the people who live at Castleford.