Placid penguins charmed residents during an unusual visit to a care home in the UK.
Widget and Pringle were welcomed with open arms and plenty of love at The Grand Care Home in West Bridgford, Notts.
Despite being fawned over, the polar birds kept their cool chilling with the OAPs, as reported by What’s The Jam.
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The team and residents were able to stroke and hold the polar birds in a special once-in-a-lifetime moment on Monday, (16 Feb).
Resident Ann Harvey, said: “I have never touched a penguin before so to be able to stroke one was magical.
“It was great fun spending time close up with them.
“I have seen penguins at the zoo but never touched or held one before.”
Joan Hodges added: “I have never had two real penguins on my bed before.”
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The medium-sized birds are based at Heythrop Zoological Gardens in Oxfordshire, a privately-owned zoo, which aims to educate people on animal welfare.
Luke Fillary, head bird keeper, was on hand at the home to provide instructions on how to interact with the penguins to keep them and the residents safe.
He said: “They both have been born at our zoo, so they have been in training their whole life.
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“Officially, they have been doing it for the past six years.
“Both are very well behaved.”
Tracy Johnston, the care home manager, added: “The penguins were so placid and created amazing memories for residents and left a lasting impression on everyone.”
Bridget Peck, wellbeing coordinator at the home, had seen the benefit in bringing animals to the residents.
She added: “I think animals play an important role for everybody’s wellbeing.”
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