Charlie, named after King Charles, is getting five-star treatment at the home where he gets involved in all kinds of activities.
Wellbeing and Lifestyle Coach, Amy Morrison, said that two-year-old Charlie, who joined the home earlier this year, even gets involved in arts and crafts.
She said: “Pets are a lovely way to boost the mood and help us interact socially and Charlie certainly lifts all our spirits at Upton Manor.
“Although he lives in a big wooden house and spends a lot of time in the garden in good weather, he is a very curious creature and loves to join the activities and conversations here.
“And he has everyone running around for him especially as residents and staff collect fresh dandelions from our garden, which enhance his special diet.
“Only the best for our very own king!”
For resident Heather Wyatt, Charlie brings back her own fond memories of her pet tortoise which she and her husband used to take travelling in their campervan.
She is often taking Charlie, who is a Hermann tortoise, out for a cuddle.
Heather said: “Charlie is very friendly and does like to be part of the group. He is a very happy tortoise and has plenty of people here to care for him.
“He loves the attention, a bit of a shell scratch or a chin rub and of course we enjoy having him here.”
Amy added: “When we have visits from the lovely children at Ladybirds Playschool, they all want to say hello to Charlie, he has become quite an attraction.
“Long live Charlie!”
Hermann tortoises, from southern Europe can live up to 75 years though of course with all the red carpet treatment, Charlie is sure to live a lot longer.
