A WILDLY WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE WITH REPTILES

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A ‘reptile encounters’ event at Avalon had residents clamouring for their turn to get up close and personal with a variety of creatures including a chameleon, bearded dragon, tarantula, tortoise and snakes.

Activities co-ordinator Lisa Priddice said: “To begin with some of the residents were a little hesitant but that didn’t last long. Before we knew it, everyone was intrigued and fully engaged, asking to hold the reptiles and not wanting to hand them back.

“Simon Prentice from Phelsuma Farm who brought the reptiles and exotics along for us to see did a fascinating show-and-tell style presentation, with lots of questions and story-sharing.

“Our residents were absolutely captivated: even those who are usually not great with socialising were keen to join in, and one of our gentlemen practically ran to the room where the action was happening.

“There was a real buzz in the atmosphere right from the moment the reptiles arrived, and we owe a big thank you to Simon for such a wonderfully interactive session.

“He even handed around a huge snakeskin from one of his largest snakes, which really amazed everyone, and his calm, steady pace and the way he ensured everyone felt safe and comfortable were very much appreciated.”

Simon Prentice, who has over 30 years’ experience of handling reptiles and exotics, runs Phelsuma Farm in Ilton, under licensed from Somerset Council. The business was established in 1988, originally in London, and consistently achieves five-star ratings for higher standards in selling animals as pets and in keeping animals for exhibition.

It is primarily a specialist day gecko breeding facility, but they also keep, breed and sell a wide range of other reptiles, amphibians and exotic animals, and offer educational visits.

Phelsuma Farm supports the Federation of British Herpetologists, the International Herpetological Society, the National Centre for Reptile Welfare, and the World Wide Fund for Nature. Their visit was part of a busy and varied activities programme organised by Avalon.