Intrepid residents discovered it really was a jungle out there when they ventured into deepest Wallington last week.

Visitors to Little Woodcote Estate stumbled on a collection of ring-tailed lemurs, squirrel monkeys, fruit bats, crocodiles and penguins.

The exotic creatures were loaned to Heritage Farm Nurseries, an award-winning reptile and aquarium specialist, by a firm training animals for the film industry.

Fiona Daniels, a director of Heritage, said: “The farm was bursting at the seams as families flocked to our jungle fun day.

"The surprise of the day, and most definitely the favourite guests, were the penguins with their waddle to and from the water being the highlight.

“Nearly 2,000 people came through the door and everyone had a great day.

"The aquatic centre and the reptile centre are well worth a visit just to see the beautiful varied fish and sea animals, as well as snakes, lizards and more. The nursery is steadily growing, with the horticulture of tropical plants expanding.”

Visit the centre at 38 Telegraph Track, off Woodmasterne Road.