I am writing in response to your article on Thursday, June 10 (Animal tragic).

My mother moved to Kingland House two years ago at the age of 97. After a heartbreaking search to find somewhere that was as close to home as it could be, I finally found Kingland House and was incredibly impressed with the care and ambience offered there.

My mother is a very independent, solitary lady who does not mix well and she spends most of the day in her room, even having her meals there. But she is not unhappy. However, I have been trying to encourage her to join in the many activities on offer.

When I heard about the visit from the penguins and monkey I was not convinced it was a good idea.

When my children were young, I never took them to circuses or zoos as I hate to think of animals being exploited or ill treated.

Imagine my delight when I saw my mother sat in the lounge awaiting the animals’ arrival.

Dougie the monkey seemed to be having a lovely time and, although in a perfect world he would grow up in the wild, his history was explained to us and it was very reassuring.

When the penguins waddled in there was no indication that they were in the least upset.

The lady who brought explained that they are not the same penguins which live in the Antarctic.

They are native to the beaches of Peru where temperatures reach 45C and they therefore only need water to cool down.

I am convinced that these animals enjoyed the party as much as the residents and did not suffer in any way.

Animals bring a lot of joy to older people who have no one to cuddle or hug. You only have to look at the pictures you printed on page four.

I am sorry if anyone felt these animals were “tragic” cases. I think they are wrong.

NAME AND ADDRESS SUPPLIED