Chestnut Gardens care home, in Purley, was full of animal mischief when the mobile zoo came to visit the home.

Residents at Chestnut Gardens were pleasantly surprised to see animals such as a Giant Snail, Bearded Dragon, Scorpion and large cockroach. All the residents were amazing brave as they were able to get up very close to these and even some were really excited to hold them in their hands. They also learnt about how they are cared for and where they come from in the wild.

General Manager Gayane Selimyan said: “Our residents have really enjoyed their unusual visitors today. We knew that having the mobile zoo here would be a bit of fun for all our residents, especially as some find it difficult to go on many outings in our minibus. We are always looking for new activities for the residents and today we have seen the seen the enjoyment and the therapeutic influence animals can have on people.”

Chestnut Gardens care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals. Chestnut Gardens provides residential care, respite and dementia care] for 72 residents from short respite care to long term stays.