A BRAINTREE care home held an interactive workshop where residents were able to meet some furry friends.

Riverdale care home, in Duggers Lane, Braintree, organised for the Animal Workshops Mobile Zoo to visit the home.

The business offers exotic and domestic animal encounters for care homes, children’s parties, and more.

They are intended as educational experiences for audiences of all ages and the animals are looked after by the expert team who run the workshops.

Braintree and Witham Times: Fun - a Riverdale Care Home meeting Petal the skunkFun - a Riverdale Care Home meeting Petal the skunk (Image: Riverdale Care Home)

Braintree and Witham Times: Cute - Petal the skunk up closeCute - Petal the skunk up close (Image: Riverdale Care Home)

Residents were able to enjoy the interactive experience and meet animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, reptiles, tortoises, lizards, giant millipedes, meerkats, and Petal the skunk.

According to the care home, studies have shown that animal-related activities can have positive effects.

Interacting with animals has been linked to reduced stress, increased socialisation, and improved overall well-being.

Lynda Inch, the customer relations manager of the home, said “We recognise the importance of providing meaningful activities that promote happiness and fulfilment.

“We believe that interacting with animals can have a profound impact on the emotional and mental well-being of our residents.

“Everyone had a fabulous day, and our residents are still talking about it now.”