Woman spends 102nd birthday feeding giraffes

A care home resident celebrated her 102nd birthday by ticking off a bucket list wish to feed the giraffes at West Midlands Safari Park.

Vera and the staff at The Mill House Care Home, near Worcester, made the special trip on 6 June after she told carers it had always been her dream.

The unsuspecting 102-year-old had no idea she would be getting up close with her favourite animal during her day out.

"Seeing her face when she met the giraffes was wonderful. She absolutely loved every moment," said activities lead Charlotte Rees.

She added: "Vera told us that visiting the safari park and seeing the giraffes was something she would really love to do for her birthday, so we wanted to make it happen for her.

"Reaching 102 is an incredible milestone and it was important to us that Vera had a day that felt truly special."

A spokesperson for The Mill House Care Home said it placed a "strong emphasis" on supporting residents in continuing to enjoy meaningful experiences and fulfilling personal wishes, regardless of age.

They said: "For Vera, that meant celebrating her 102nd birthday surrounded by animals, making new memories and ticking off an item on her bucket list.

"Judging by her smile, the giraffes were worth the wait."

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