A hands-on animal encounter has delighted care home residents and challenged a few old fears.
Residents at Maypole Bupa Care Home in Hedge End, Southampton, enjoyed a visit from mobile educational zoo company ZooLab, who introduced them to an array of exotic creatures.
Doreen, 80, said: "I had a fantastic afternoon learning about the animals and getting up close to them.
"It was wonderful to experience something different, and to hold and learn about animals I might not have liked in the past."
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The session included a tarantula, hissing cockroach, giant land snail, millipede, and a corn snake, with many residents choosing to gently handle the animals.
Sophie Withers, activities co-ordinator at the home, said: "It was wonderful to see our residents' faces light up when they encountered the animals.
"Experiences like this are so important to us as they bring joy and spark conversations among our residents."
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