AN East Renfrewshire businesswoman is using some animal magic to cheer up care home residents during the coronavirus crisis.

Laura Schosloff, owner of Bunny & Co mobile petting zoo, has been visiting elderly residents for years.

However, as the Covid-19 lockdown was put in place, she decided to use the Zoom video conferencing platform to offer the service for free.

Laura said: “My diary was full in March and then lockdown happened and everything just got wiped.

“It was my daughter’s idea to go on online and do virtual meetings showing the animals, which meant the residents weren’t losing out.

“We took time to plan how this would work and I’m so glad it has been such a success so far.”

Bunny & Co has been offering the virtual petting zoo sessions for free or a donation, in order to help keep care home residents occupied.

Laura said: “We figured it out with the activities co-ordinators and we are able to gather the residents and, although they are not able to physically pet the animals, the smiles on their faces make it all worth it.”

The petting zoo, based in Newton Mearns, currently houses around 80 animals, including guinea pigs, ducks, hens, hamsters and rabbits.

They have also been given names, including duck and hen duo George and Mildred, which Laura says often starts interesting conversations.

“The thing with the names is that it triggers memories, which is very beneficial to those in nursing homes,” she added.

“George and Mildred are named after a TV show from the 1970s, which jogs a lot of people’s memories.

“One of the greatest things about the virtual petting zoo is the conversations and just having a chat with the residents.”