Heatherfield Care Home in Armadale turned into a jungle, as residents got up close and personal with an exotic set of animals.
While rabbits and meerkats offered conventional cuddles, it was a royal python which got particularly comfortable curled up in the lap of a resident.
Anne Savage, resident at Heatherfield said: “I was fascinated, not frightened. The snake had beautiful markings and moved so gracefully”.
Surprisingly, it was the reptiles that proved the most popular. New resident, Sam Perry took to a tortoise called Shelley, while another resident found herself face to face with a blue tongued skink.
Anetta Watson, another resident at Heatherfield said: “I grew up on a farm, so I had no end of unusual pets, but the skink was remarkable. I want to keep one, it would make for an interesting companion”.
The animals visited the care home from Cool Creatures, a local business based in Livingston, and residents learnt about their habitats and species.
Heatherfield Care Home, part of the Holmes Care Group, organises animal therapy sessions as part of an activities programme designed to encourage health and happiness amongst the residents.
Roz Smith, Activities Coordinator at Heatherfield, said: “The animals were beautiful and residents adored handling them. We’re looking forward to the next great experience!”
Don't miss the latest news from the West Lothian Courier. Sign up to our free newsletter here
