Fluffy four legged friends to silky smooth snakes visit care home

SNAKES, lizards and rats were among the visitors to a Nottingham care home as part of an animal therapy session.

The critters were brought to Longmoor Lodge Care Home, on Longmoor Lane, by animal education and therapy company Wild Science.

Animal therapy sessions are designed to improve social engagement and communication while lessening the effects of depression, loneliness, boredom and anxiety.

Samantha Ely, home manager, said: “The residents thoroughly enjoyed holding, stroking and asking questions about the creatures.

“The snakes and lizards brought particularly big grins to their faces when they were given a chance to see them up close and even stroke them.

“The benefits of animal therapy sessions are well documented for people of all ages – from children through to the elderly.”