Residents at The Grand care home in West Bridgford enjoyed an extraordinary sensory experience when two Humboldt penguins paid a visit.
The penguins, named Pringle and Widget, spent the afternoon waddling around the care home, as well as interacting with residents.
The flightless black and white feathered birds reside at Heythrop Zoological Gardens, a private zoo located in the Cotswolds that strives to educate people on animal welfare and behaviour, as well as advance animal training standards worldwide. Accompanied by expert handlers, the penguins are gentle and social in nature, allowing for safe, engaging and close-up encounters.
A number of residents from Lovett Care’s sister care home in Nottingham, Ruddington Manor in Wilford, also attended, along with children from Little Toes Day Nursery, creating a truly unique and memorable intergenerational afternoon.
Ann Harvey, a resident at The Grand, says: “The visit from the penguins was fantastic! I have never touched a penguin before, so to be able to stroke one today was magical. The children loved watching the penguins waddle around the home too!”
Ruddington Manor resident Margaret Bell, aged 90, adds: “What an afternoon! It was good fun spending time close up with the penguins. I have seen penguins at the zoo but never touched or held one before.”
Joan Hodges, another resident at The Grand, comments: “Wow! I have never had two real penguins on my bed before!”
Tracy Johnston, Home Manager at The Grand, concludes: “Today has been truly special for the residents from both The Grand and Ruddington Manor, their loved ones, Lovett Care staff and their families, as well as the children from Little Toes.
“The visit from the penguins, who were so placid, has created amazing memories for some of the residents and left a lasting impression on everyone within the home. Our elders living with dementia were able to enjoy the penguins, and the birds even reached some of our residents who tend to be a little more withdrawn and less responsive to activities, which was wonderful to see.
“There are so many benefits of animal-assisted therapy, including small improvements in emotional, social and cognitive abilities. The multi-sensory nature of the visit, from the sight of the penguins waddling to the feel of their feathers and the sounds they make, really did touch every resident today.
“It’s been a pleasure seeing so many smiling faces throughout the home. We’ve been able to arrange an extraordinary and joyful experience for all ages, with the children and the residents loving the close encounter and interaction with the penguins, something they have never done before.
“Not only did the residents look forward to the penguin visit beforehand, but it sparked conversation among them too. They will no doubt reminisce for many weeks and months to come. This is exactly what we mean when we talk about ‘more for our elders’; our residents deserve these special moments.”
