Care home residents were in a real flap when they were visited by two adorable penguins from Oxfordshire.
The Humboldt penguins named Pringle and Widget entertained residents Bernadette House care home in Lincoln as part of its animal therapy programme.
Staff say those living with dementia have a special connection with animals due to their calming and non-threatening demeanour.
Pringle and Widget are from Heythrop Zoological Gardens in West Oxfordshire, but had previously entertained residents in 2019.
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Thrilled resident Jean Williams said: “They’re beautiful creatures. I can’t believe how soft their feathers are. It has been a real treat.”
The event was so popular that care home director Elizabeth Stephens got back in touch with the zoo to arrange another.
Elizabeth, who has previously organised visits from squirrel monkeys, alpacas and spring lambs, said: "The penguins' first visit was in response to a wish by a resident to meet a penguin.
"Photographs from the visit are displayed around the home and current residents often ask when they too can meet a penguin.
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"It’s a fantastic way for those living with dementia to reconnect with past memories and enjoy a mentally stimulating and joyful experience.
"And of course, the staff had a wonderful time too!"
Heythrop Zoological Gardens is a private zoo and animal training centre in Heythrop, near Chipping Norton.
The zoo is noted as having the largest private collection of exotic animals in the United Kingdom.
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