Connaught Court residents beat January blues with visit from exotic creatures

Above: (Left) Resident David is delighted to meet a poison dart frog. (Right) Resident Graham enjoys holding a Californian climbing salamander.

Residents at Connaught Court, in York have enjoyed a friendly visit from a wide range of exotic creatures, including a Californian climbing salamander, Mexican Axolotl and a poison dart frog.

The residents were astonished and delighted to meet the animals, who were brought in by Dr Laurence Jarvis, Director and Amphibian Biologist at Global Amphibians, an organisation dedicated to educate and promote conservation action to protect rare and threatened amphibian species. Residents had the opportunity to learn interesting facts about the amphibians’ habitats, diets and welfare.

Taking part in this activity, resident Graham was amazed when he held a salamander. He commented:

I was most surprised by the feel of the salamander’s skin. It was very moist and cool.

Resident David was delighted to meet a poison dart frog. He said:

The frog was so tiny! I can’t believe such a small creature can be lethal.

The benefits of spending time with animals for older people are immense. Research has shown that having something to pet or touch can result in lower blood pressure, better heart rate and reduced stress. Pets can provide emotional stability during stressful situations, helping to reduce anxiety and depression.*

Stephanie, one of Connaught Court’s Activities Coordinators, said:

We wanted to do something for our residents to ward off the January blues, so we invited these exotic creatures to our Home. It was a fantastic way of bringing nature and the outdoors into the home on a cold winter’s day!

[Summary: To beat the January blues, residents at Connaught Court, in York have enjoyed a friendly visit from a wide range of exotic creatures, including a Californian climbing salamander, Mexican Axolotl and a poison dart frog.]