Glorious sunshine saw hundreds of visitors make their way to Wiltshire College for its annual Animal Care, Countryside and Gardens Open Day.
Families were able to get up close to and personal to meerkats, marmosets, lemurs, bearded dragons, rabbits, snakes, tortoises and spiders.
There was also a chance to meet Lackham’s newest residents – two prairie dogs, as well an opportunity to see the raccoon dogs enjoying their brand new enclosure.
Venetia Summers, Head of Animal Care and Equine, said: “There was a fantastic atmosphere which was only enhanced by the wonderful hot sunshine.
“This is a great opportunity to open up the Animal Centre and gardens to the public to showcase the excellent work that our students do throughout the academic year, as well as promote the exciting careers that are available within the animal and land-based sectors.
Many of those visiting brought their pets to take part in the annual dog show, which is sponsored by Leekes and includes fun categories such as waggiest tail and agility rounds.
There were also several demonstrations including hedge laying, gun dogs and chainsaw sculpting and horticulture students were proud to show their individual plots in the Walled Garden, which was where visitors could enjoy a cream team run by Foundation Studies students.
Natasha Fryer, from Westbury, who attended the event with her husband Keith, toddler Lily and Norwegian Buhund Dusty, said: “We entered the dog shows and our daughter enjoyed seeing and stroking the different animals, including a snake.
“We would like to thank all staff and students we interacted with that day.
“The gent doing the bird of prey display was amazing and even allowed our daughter to stroke the owl and posed for a cracking photo.