A care home tortoise successfully predicted a win for England in last night’s World Cup game against Croatia.
‘Treasure’ so far has correctly identified the outcomes of two games for residents at Woodland Grove care home in Loughton where he’s lived for the past two years.
The tiny pundit is following in the footsteps of Paul the octopus and Nellie the elephant in making his choice between the flags of the opposing teams. He makes a beeline for which he thinks will be the winners.
“So far, he’s got the outcome of Mexico’s game correct and could clearly feel a draw was on the cards for Canada and Bosnia as he wavered before putting a foot on Canada’s flag,” said Lifestyles Coordinator, Michela Volpe. “The residents were excited to watch Treasure make his prediction for the England v Croatia game. Choosing carefully, Treasure picked England as the winner, delighting everyone!”
Woodland Grove on Rectory Lane is a purpose-built 72-bedroomed care home which provides residential, nursing, memory and respite care. Residents are fully immersed in the World Cup with games on show every evening on the big screen in the entertainment room, football-themed activities and a sweepstake underway. June Higgins adores Treasure and gives him encouragement to make his team selections.
“Treasure is so lovely, and clearly very clever!” she said. “I always wish him luck with his predictions.”
Residents at Woodland Grove have regular access to animals in pet therapy sessions but the team wanted to have a permanent member of their household that residents could enjoy every day. Everyone delights in him touring the lounge and feeding him watermelon, lettuce and stroking his shell.
“Animals bring a sense of calm for residents and encourage reminiscence about their own pets,” added Michela. “Seeing Treasure crawl around is a simple thing but it brings a great deal of delight – and now, excitement too!”
Given the number of World Cup games, Treasure isn’t being asked to make his predictions about all of them, but his next forecast will be for the game between Scotland and Morocco on the 19th June.
Much as residents have confidence in their little friend’s abilities, they’re keeping hold of their money and haven’t put wagers on the outcomes
