Dec 2019
Penguins pop into Coombe End Court for Christmas visit
A pair of penguins popped in to meet the residents of Coombe End Court in Marlborough, operated by The Orders of St John Care Trust (OSJCT).
Nine-year-old Pringle and 15-year-old Two Dots, both Humboldt Penguins, soon made themselves at home, waddling around the lounge and happily sitting on residents’ knees.
One resident, Doreen, said she felt quite emotional after getting the chance to stroke a penguin.
“I thought that was just lovely. It’s something I never thought would happen to me.”
Another resident, Richard, added: “They were lovely. I feel very lucky to have seen them. It was a great experience.”
The penguins are part of a breeding colony at a private zoo who are trained and habituated to take part in range of educational and promotional visits to care homes, charities and schools.
Animal trainer keeper Barbara said: “Animals can bring such joy, especially to the young and old. Penguins in particular can bring a lot of happiness to people, which you could definitely see today.”
The home, which staged a bingo and raffle fundraiser in the summer to pay for the penguins to visit as a Christmas treat, has previously organised for residents to be visited by monkeys, donkeys, llamas, creepy crawlies and snakes.
There is much evidence that shows the therapeutic benefits that interacting with animals in later life can have in terms of helping to raise morale, enhance mood and reduce anxiety levels.
Home Bursar Sarah Meenan said: “Our residents do love any visits from animals, but they have been particularly excited to meet penguins. It was fantastic to see the looks on their faces as the penguins walked in and then wandered around right in front of them.
“It was a very special experience that we’ll all be talking about for some time.”