Residents p-p-p-pick up a penguin with special visit to Woodland Grove Care Home

Residents at a Woodland Grove p-p-p-picked up a penguin – or two – with a special visit from Pringle and Widget.

The pair of Humboldt penguins spent an hour touring the care home, sitting on residents’ laps for a cuddle and visiting them in their rooms.
Frances Hobden, 98, was thrilled to be able to share the experience with her grandchildren.

“The penguins were very entertaining and lovable,” she said. “It was a special moment for my grandchildren, and I was delighted that they could come and create this memory with me.”

The visit was also enjoyed by the Mayor of Loughton, Cllr Katie Valentine, who brought her family along to share in the fun.

Woodland Grove regularly brings animals into the home as they can help residents to relax, improve their sense of wellbeing and stimulate happy memories of past experiences.

Woodland Grove’s Lifestyles Manager, Michela Volpe, said; “Pringle and Widget brought so much joy to all our residents, staff and family visitors. Animal therapy is so important, especially those affected by dementia. Their company is calming and comforting, but it can also be an exciting, new experience. These penguins added smiles, gentle cuddles and created the most amazing memories.”

The birds were brought to the home by Amazing Animals, based in Oxfordshire, and resident Belinda Tong, was very happy to have seen them.
“They were very friendly, and I enjoyed stroking them because they were soft,” she said. “I love animals and it was thrilling to have this new experience.”

Discover more about our exceptional lifestyles at Woodland Grove