CRAIGIELEA in Gateshead had some unusual guests when Discovery Zoo brought some of its creepy crawlies and creatures to visit residents.
The care home played host to a range of animals and insects including rabbits, snakes and lizards as part of its ever evolving activities programme. Residents learned all about the creatures before having a chance to hold the mixed menagerie.
Lindsay Turner, activities coordinator at Craigielea, said: “Our residents have really enjoyed their unusual visitors, especially the snake, tarantula and millipede. They’re not something you usually see up in Gateshead and for some of our residents it was the first time seeing them in real life.
“Discovery Zoo did a great job introducing the creatures to residents and explaining how to hold them. Animal visits are always such a lift for our residents and it’s great to see them so excited.
“Stroking and holding the animals always puts a smile on our residents’ faces. It sparks their memories and I hear all about their previous pets or trips to the zoo with their families.
“We’re always looking for activities to entertain our residents and really look forward to being able to do more now that restrictions are relaxed.”
Paul Fenwick from Discovery Zoo is pictured with Morgan Brown and resident Eddy Ikin.