IT WAS animal mania at the Rosary Nursing Home as the residents enjoyed a therapy session with Kingston's Exotics.
An array of reptiles were brought in for a visit last Wednesday (November 18), including Archie the albino ball python and Lei the amel cornsnake.
There were also lizards such as Delta the blue tongue skink and stumpy the bearded dragon.
Resident David Webber, 86, loved holding the bearded dragon.
He said: “He was so soft and friendly.”
Fellow resident, Gordon Chidgey, 78, said: “They were beautiful with lovely colours – and they were so friendly.”
Kingston’s Exotics deliver animal-handling workshops to community groups, and the animal-assisted therapy they deliver is a great way to increase social participation and enhance mental wellbeing.
Andree Chandler, activities leader at the home said: “The residents asked many questions and were really interested in what the various creatures like to eat."
“One of the residents’ dogs was visiting and was very curious when she met the tortoise. 
“We were all greatly amused when the Breaded Dragon hitched a ride on the larger tortoise.”
The Sanctuary Care home’s deputy manager, Sally Thorpe, said: “Animal therapy can be so therapeutic, especially for people living with dementia because it is very calming and relaxing, so we are delighted to welcome this rather unusual collection of creatures to the Rosary.”