Alpacas: Fluffy therapy helpers for the elderly
Joe Phelan's farm in Ireland is home to many alpacas. But the animals often go on excursions, bringing smiles to the faces of residents at a retirement home around one and half hours south of Dublin.
Unusual visit
Accompanied by a crowd of curious onlookers, Irish farmer Joe Phelan leads two alpacas through the lobby of the Oakfield nursing home in Courtown, Ireland. He is delighted by the residents' reactions to his cuddly four-legged friends. "They get to feel them. They look into their big, huge brown eyes, which, you know, just are so relaxing. And they might hear them humming," Phelan told Reuters.
Hum hum hum...
Alpacas make soothing humming noises. This sound expresses contentment and relaxation. Alpacas often hum while they are eating or in the company of other animals. But they also hum to indicate potential danger. If an alpaca notices something unknown or feels threatened, it can alert the others by humming.
Two alpacas in an elevator
These two alpacas, named Stan and Frank, are very cooperative. They remain just as calm on an elevator as they do on the joyride in a van to the retirement home. "We know that we have certain boys and girls that are suitable for the therapeutic work," said Phelan. Nevertheless, he sometimes has to admonish the alpacas if they get a little too curious.
Animal enthusiasm
Josie Comerford is 92 years old and is delighted with the fluffy visitors. Over time, Phelan and his team have found that the alpacas have a positive impact on people with certain needs, be it children with autism or teenagers and adults with Down syndrome. Contact with the animals lifts people's spirits.
Alpaca & prosecco
Phelan first started the alpaca business by offering Alpaca and prosecco hikes. The demand was enormous, and he even needed a second team to organize everything. Every participant, young and old, went home with a smile. In the meantime, Phelan has also become involved in the fiber production of hypoallergenic alpaca wool, which is considered one of the best natural fibers in the world.
Worthwhile investment
Phelan sees his alpacas as a great investment, for which he even sold his house. He doesn't just breed and sell them. In addition to his social commitment, you can even book the fluffy four-legged friends for wedding photos. Who could say no to that?