Redbridge 18 Plus members reconnected with nature when they visited the Tropical Wings Zoo, near South Woodham Ferrers.
Members of the group visited the zoo, which originally started as a butterfly house and gardens but has gradually developed to include a varied collection of mammals, reptiles, birds and butterflies.
After wandering through the tropical house with its free flying butterflies and exotic birds, they visited the enclosures, in which some of the animals are able to roam freely, before watching the animal feeding sessions, featuring otters, wallabies and the ever popular meerkats.
Group member Gary Silver said: “It was an enjoyable day out, and it’s good that many of the animals are able to run around freely in enclosures rather than being in cages.”
The day out was just one of the many events enjoyed by the group’s members, who meet on Fridays at Goodmayes Community Centre, Green Lane, Goodmayes, from 8.30pm.
For details, phone Trev on 0208 553 0947 or Fran on 0208 554 1364 or see the group’s website at www.redbridge18plus.org.uk.