Zoodoo zoo keeper George White with centenarians Gertie Chandler, 104, Shelia Walton, 102, with an albino wallaby and Iris McCarthy, 105, at Zoodoo Wildlife Park. Source: News Corp Australia
WHEN Iris McCarthy, Gertie Chandler and Shelia Walton were children, Tasmanian tigers were living in Beaumaris Zoo in Hobart.
A century later, the three old friends celebrated their birthdays by meeting an array of animals at ZooDoo Wildlife Park at Richmond yesterday.
Iris, who turned 105 last Saturday, had her life’s first glass of champagne to mark the occasion. Gertie, who turned 104, and Sheila 102 this month, were in equally high spirits.
The women took great delight in watching the lion cubs and monkeys but also enjoyed interacting with native wildlife such as wallabies and Tasmanian devils. “I had such a lovely time. It’s been great but now I’m very tired,” Ms McCarthy said.
Blake Hobart, one of aged care facility St Ann’s youngest volunteers at the age of 10, was on hand yesterday to help the women around and said he really enjoys their company.
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“I call bingo for them and I like to talk to the residents. Sometimes I read them a book,” he said.
Blake said he had learnt a lot from the residents and it was fascinating to hear about how life was when they were young.
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