Morning Pointe of Chattanooga – Shallowford residents Nancy Kimbro and Tom Donovan cuddle up to Kaa, the Chattanooga Zoo's balboa python, while resident Clyde Edwards looks on. Ms. Donovan and Mr. Edwards are longtime supporters of the zoo and have a history of volunteering there.
Once a month, the Chattanooga Zoo visits Morning Pointe of Chattanooga – Shallowford, bringing a variety of animals for the assisted living community’s residents to pet and hold while a zookeeper teaches them about the creature’s diet, traits and habitat. Although the zookeepers have been visiting Morning Pointe for years, it was not until recently that they introduced residents to Kaa, the zoo’s massive balboa python.
“We had quite the surprise when James from the zoo pulled Kaa out,” says Holly Holcomb, the life enrichment director at Morning Pointe of Chattanooga – Shallowford, with a laugh.
“Not all of the residents were fans of our new friend, but there were many who loved him—especially Nancy Kimbro. Residents Tom Donovan and Clyde Edwards are longtime zoo supporters and volunteers. They are friendly with most of the animals there and have known Kaa for quite a while.”