What Animals Can You See at Flamingo Land? Care Home Residents Enjoy a Wild Day Out

A day at the zoo might not sound like much—but for folks living in care homes, it can be a total game-changer. Swapping four walls for flamingos, monkeys, and maybe even a rollercoaster or two? Yes please. That’s exactly what happened when a group of residents from Rivermead Care Home in Malton packed up for a trip to Flamingo Land—a zoo and theme park rolled into one.

This wasn’t just about animal-spotting either. It was a proper day out, filled with snacks, laughter, and even a few surprises along the way. Let’s be honest, we could all use a bit more of that.

Flamingos, family, and a few cheeky monkeys

Imagine being able to see animals from all over the world in real life. Not on telly. Not in a book. But right there, feet away. That’s what made this trip so exciting for the Rivermead gang.

One of the residents, Glenda, even got a surprise visit from her family, who came along for the day too. You know that feeling when someone you love shows up unexpectedly? Like when your mate brings cake you weren’t expecting? That kind of happy. For Glenda, it made the whole day extra special.

And Flamingo Land didn’t disappoint. From lions to lemurs, it’s packed with all kinds of animals. There’s a good chance someone shouted, “Ooh, look at that one!” more than once.

Sandwiches, songs, and the classic minibus singalong

Now, no proper British day out is complete without food. The hospitality team at Rivermead sorted out packed lunches and plenty of snacks, so no one went hungry. Think sandwiches, crisps, maybe a cheeky biscuit or two.

And the journey home? That’s where the magic really happens. Ever been on a minibus where someone starts singing, and suddenly the whole group joins in? That’s exactly what went down. Songs, laughter, and a bit of rain on the windows—classic Yorkshire day out.

Regular days out make a big difference

Sarah Jackson, the General Manager at Rivermead, explained that outings like this aren’t just one-off events—they happen pretty often. The team at the home actually asks residents where they’d like to go next, so it’s not just a case of being taken somewhere—they get to choose.

“Our residents have really enjoyed their day out at the zoo,” Sarah said. “Trips out in the home’s minibus are a regular event for the residents, and we always ask for ideas on where they’d best like to go. The day was a lot of fun—residents were able to see the animals up close, and although we didn’t have the best weather, we all enjoyed the outing!”

Even if the weather didn’t play ball, it didn’t seem to matter. The joy of seeing animals, sharing food, and singing your heart out on the way home—that’s what really sticks.

Why trips like these matter (more than you’d think)

Let’s be real: living in a care home can sometimes feel a bit same-y. Days can blur together, especially if you don’t have something new to look forward to. That’s why outings like this aren’t just fun—they’re important.

They give people stories to tell. Something to smile about. A reason to call their kids and say, “You’ll never guess what I saw today.” It’s these little things that help folks feel connected and alive.

And for families, knowing their loved ones are still getting to go on adventures—whether it’s a zoo, a garden centre, or just a walk by the sea—it means the world.

Quick look: Rivermead care home’s Flamingo Land trip

• Location: Flamingo Land, North Yorkshire
• Date: (not specified, but likely late March 2025 based on current timeline)
• Who went: Residents from Rivermead Care Home, staff, and family members
• What happened: Animal sightings, surprise family reunions, packed lunches, and a singalong bus ride
• Quote of the day: “Our residents have really enjoyed their day out at the zoo.” – Sarah Jackson, General Manager

So next time you’re planning a trip and thinking it might not be worth the effort—remember this lot. A bit of effort, a packed lunch, and a few flamingos can go a long way.