Nine families with children with vision impairment got up to some animal antics at a mini zoo in Perth, thanks to the charity RNIB.
RNIB’s Shape and Share event, held at Perth’s Radisson Blu Hotel on Saturday 16 March, gave children the opportunity to get up close and personal with fascinating animals, reptiles and insects from all over the world.
Louise, an animal handler, showed the children some mice, a corn snake, Madagascan cockroaches, a rabbit, a guinea pig, a tarantula, and a chicken who laid an egg.
Among those attending was outgoing ten-year-old Oliver from Aviemore, who is severely sight impaired. He said: “My favourite animals were the cockroaches and the chicken. I also liked touching the snake!”
Oliver’s mum Rosalyn added: “We’ve had a really good day today. It’s been great for Oliver to engage with the animals and the other kids. It means a lot to be able to come to RNIB Scotland events where they understand his needs and where he’s included.”
RNIB’s Shape and Share events form part of the support the charity offers for children and young people with vision impairment and their families across the UK. It is estimated that there are over 2000 children in Scotland with visual impairment.
The events, which run throughout the year, are aimed at encouraging children and young people with vision impairment to make new friends, try new things, and engage in some much-needed fun.
Katrina Thomson, Family Support Officer for the charity, said: "We had a wonderful time with Louise from Animal Man’s Mini Zoo. This was a fantastic opportunity for the children to get up close to some amazing animals and learn some interesting facts!"
To find out more about RNIB’s Children, Young People and Families team, visit www.rnib.org.uk/scotland/cypf or email cypf@rnib.org.uk.
