An 82-year-old lady's wish came true when she spend a day with animals at a zoo.

Rose O'Connor, who lives at a care home in Oxhey, has always loved animals, and when she was asked by staff at the home what she wished for more than anything, she said it was a trip to the zoo.

With a little help from her councillor, Cllr Frances Button, a day out was organised at Paradise Wildlife Park in Broxbourne.

She was given her own special tour of the park being introduced to a tenrec, a lizard, and a tortoise, before sitting down for a spot of lunch near the tiger enclosure.

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Rose finished the day with a tour of the dinosaur park and said the day brought back so many special memories form her childhood.

She said: “I had such a lovely day at the Wildlife Park. I enjoyed seeing all the birds and animals and it was a really special treat to meet some of the animals close up. It brought back so many lovely memories from my childhood and I especially loved the long-haired guinea pig in the farm section. Everybody has been so kind to me and made me feel very special."

Maya Beekarry, Home Manager at The Fairway care home said: “We would like to say a massive thank you to Cllr Francis Button for helping us to make Rose’s dream come true.

“Rose had a fantastic day at Paradise Wildlife Park. Keeper Scott and the staff were wonderful and brought a big smile to Rose’s face – particularly when she met the park’s own guinea pig. This allowed Rose to reminisce about her own pets and she even said that it made her feel young again.

“Trips like this are the hallmark of good care and we are looking forward to helping more residents create good memories and realise their dreams.”

The trip was part of Quantum Care's goal to grant one wish to each of its 1,600 residents across Hertfordshire.

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