WAIMEA — Rufino Taroma was thrilled beyond words, alternating his attention between a young goat who was rescued as an orphan from Kokee, and a chicken who obediently stayed quietly on his lap Tuesday. Kauai Veterans Memorial Hospital on Tuesday
WAIMEA — Rufino Taroma was thrilled beyond words, alternating his attention between a young goat who was rescued as an orphan from Kokee, and a chicken who obediently stayed quietly on his lap Tuesday.
Kauai Veterans Memorial Hospital on Tuesday hosted what was billed as “the first annual petting zoo” for the 20 residents in the hospital.
“This is more than a petting zoo,” said Bridget Orsatelli, one of the petting zoo’s staff. “This teaches the kids about caring. They had to give all the animals a bath, and now, they’re handling the animals so residents are able to pet them. Later, they have books which they’ll read to the residents.”
Orsatelli added that among the animals visiting the hospital, two are getting experience being around people in preparation for the Kauai County Farm Bureau Fair where they will be shown and judged.
“Events like this petting zoo gives the residents something to look forward to,” said the hospital’s activities director, Joanna Cabbab. “I have some experience with long term elderly because my grandparents both had cancer, and when my mother went over to care for them, I started going with her. I could see the big difference between facility care and being at home.”
Kline said eventually he would like to see KVMH host the petting zoo several times a year.
