EXOTIC pet enthusiasts got a special lesson in how to look after a variety of colourful creatures courtesy of the experts at South Lakeland animal attraction.

As part of National Pet Month, the Lakeland Wildlife Oasis near Milnthorpe held a special pet care day designed to promote the responsible care of exotic animals and to educate visitors on the pros and cons of owning exotic species.

Keeper Vickie Parr said: "Exotic pets often aren't very good pets at all, especially when people don't have the knowledge to take care of them properly. So we just gave visitors a chance to ask questions and make informed decisions about whether a creepy tarantula or a 16ft snake was really a good choice for them."

Visitors got up-close and personal with a range of reptiles and insects and were also treated to the thrilling aerial acrobatics of a variety ofbirds of prey by South Lakes Falconry.