AN ANIMAL lover celebrated her 100th birthday surrounded by all creatures great and small with a surprise visit to a safari park.
Norah Harris, who reached the special milestone today (Monday), went along to West Midland Safari & Leisure Park in Bewdley to meet and feed an array of her favourite animals.
Norah’s daughter Meryl Bradshaw and husband David arrived bright and early at Cranham Care Home to collect the birthday girl for her treat.
She then got the opportunity to feed Indian rhinos, giraffes and tigers before being taken to see the lions and Sutton, the park’s adorable new baby elephant.
Norah then watched the sea lions being fed, went on to feed the lemurs and came face-to-face with a reticulated python.
She also enjoyed a special birthday lunch with birthday cake and flowers.
Norah, who moved to Cranham two years ago, said she thoroughly enjoyed her birthday treat. “I had a lovely time. It was smashing,” she said.
“I held a stick with meat on the end and fed the Bengal tigers through the pen and enjoyed every minute of – I loved it.
“It’s having a good family around me. I don’t feel any different now – my knees are tired but I have had a good life and am enjoying every day.”
Born in Birmingham, Norah grew up in Selly Oak and was an only child. Her father was killed in the Battle of the Somme during the First World War when she was just two years old.
In 1936 Norah met husband-to-be Arthur, but he was tragically killed during the Second World War in 1945.
She has two daughters, Meryl, who lives in Droitwich and Patricia, who sadly passed away more than three years ago. She also had a son William.
Meryl said her mum had always shown fighting spirit. “Mum has always had a fiery temper that has mellowed over the years,” she said.
“I think that’s the Irish blood in her!”
On her actual birthday today, Norah will enjoy at party at the home, surrounded by her family, fellow residents and the home’s team.
Wendy Jackson, the park’s public relations officer, said: “It was a real pleasure to welcome Norah and her family to the park today to mark the start of the celebrations for her very important birthday.
“It was clear to see how much Norah loves animals.
“She particularly enjoyed feeding the giraffe, seeing the Indian rhino and loved looking at the elephants. It was truly a privilege to be able to spoil such a lovely and remarkable lady.”
