PENSIONERS were treated to a menagerie of visitors after welcoming some furry – and scaly – friends.

The Colne View care home in Halstead opened its doors to creatures great and small.

Residents at the home on Dame Mary Walk were shell-shocked when a herd of quirky animals paid them a visit.

Among the creatures were a pair of meerkats, Bubba and Bertie, a snake, and 25-year-old Dave the tortoise, from Promenade Petting Zoo.

The residents were able to interact with the visiting animals and learn about their new friends, prompting them to reminisce about trips to the zoo in their younger years and the pets they’ve had throughout their lives.

Brian Cole, a resident at Colne View, said: “It was amazing to see these animals up close and I was fascinated to learn that meerkats have remarkable eyesight – they can spot birds miles away on the horizon.”

Monica Boldeata, home manager at Colne View, said: “We’re always looking for exciting new ways to put a smile on the resident’s faces and keep everyone entertained.

“Being around animals is a great way of promoting relaxation and improving wellbeing in older people, by providing companionship and increasing activity levels.

"Residents loved holding the animals and learning more about how they are cared for, and it was lovely to hear everyone sharing stories of their own childhood memories and experiences connected to different creatures.

“We’d like to say a huge thank you to Promenade Petting Zoo for such a wonderful day – we are looking forward to planning our next exotic animal encounter.”