Cornsnakes and Giant African Land Snails are not often found in Bristol nursing homes, neither are Madagascan hissing cockroaches for that matter, but an exception was made in St George.

These exotic creatures put in an appearance at Riversway Nursing Home alongside Bristol Zoo volunteer services co-ordinator Andy Wakefield and zoo volunteer Liz Curtis.

The visit was part of the popular "Zoo to You" programme, which gives both young and old an opportunity to come face to face with exotic animals and learn more about the natural world.

Besides the unusual creatures, Andy also brought several animal artefacts for the residents to touch and feel, including a giant snake skin, a turtle shell and colubus monkey fur to name a few.

These are all items which have either been donated to the zoo or confiscated by Customs as contraband.

Andy said it was a great event with a good turnout.

He said: "Zoo to You events are a great way for people to meet and find out about some of the smaller creatures we have at the zoo, particularly if it is difficult for them to travel to the zoo.

"There was a great turn out for our event at Riversway Nursing Home and we were happy to be invited to their event."

If you would like further information about booking a Zoo to You session please contact Bristol Zoo's Volunteer Services on 0117 974 7363.

Please visit  Evening Post  to view full news article published in the Bristol Evening Post on 25/02/09 or the April edition of the Caring Times  (page 20)