A Cape Breton teen living with autism says he has always felt most at home while volunteering at the local wildlife park and now, the park is his home.
Eighteen-year-old Matthew Hilliard lives with autism. He loves to spend his time caring for the animals at Two Rivers Wildlife Park and when he saw another staff member move into an old building on site, Hilliard thought he would like to do the same.
After hearing Hilliard’s story, recreational vehicle company Stone's RV donated a trailer and helped make electrical repairs so Hilliard would have power.
One day a few months ago, Hilliard showed up to work as usual. In order to surprise him, co-workers concocted a story to get Hilliard to drive to the site where the trailer was.
“When I got out, it hit me that this was mine for the summer. I felt basically like king of the world,” says Hilliard. “You learn to appreciate this place so much more. At night, I can open my door and I hear wolves howling right from my doorstep.”
Living at the park means Hilliard can tend to the animals anytime it's needed, without making an hour's round trip from his parents' home.
“Knowing I'd be closer to my critters, it's peace of mind basically, to be on park grounds knowing everything is ok,” says Hilliard.
For park staff, it's a thrill to have him living here and it makes their lives easier.
“He's amazing. He really helps out a lot. It's great to have him here with us all the time,” says wildlife park staff member Lindsay Robinson.
It's Hilliard’s first time living on his own and it is a big lesson in independence.
“I'm learning how to fend for myself, all the responsibilities that come with it,” says Hilliard. “How to keep your house clean, how to work with your own money.”
Hilliard says one day he hopes to build a small house to call home at the wildlife park.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Ryan MacDonald
