‘It was a marvellous experience’: Penguins waddle into Erith care home

Two penguins won the hearts of residents at a care home during a special visit last week.

To mark World Penguin Day on April 25, Nicola Martin, manager at Heathfield Court Care Home, organised for two Humboldt penguins to visit the home.

Ms Martin said: “The home was buzzing with excitement before, during and after the visit.

“Many of the residents enjoyed spending time with Pringle and Widget, holding them on their knees or stroking them.

“The visit really stimulated the residents. There was lots of conversation, with some sharing memories of the first time they saw a penguin, and others talking about taking their children to see them at the zoo.”

Heathfield Court is a purpose-built care home in Colyers Lane, Erith, which provides residential, nursing and specialist dementia care.

The penguins, from Heythrop Zoological Gardens in Oxfordshire, were accompanied by zookeeper Barbara Howes. Pringle and Widget explored the care home, even visiting some of the less mobile residents in their rooms.

Resident Pam Newbury, 88, said she was “so excited” she could “hardly sleep” ahead of the visit, and was one of the first to volunteer to have a penguin sit on her knee.

Ms Newbury, who lives in the care home’s specialist dementia suite, said: “To have the opportunity to get up close to these magnificent birds was a dream. It was magical to see them waddling along the corridors.

“They are just wonderful creatures, and so beautiful.”

For resident, Rose Nesbitt, 89, who has impaired vision, the sensation of touching the medium-sized penguins was unexpected.

She said: “I thought it would feel soft and feathery, but it was very smooth and silky.

“It was a marvellous experience.”

Two of Heathfield Court’s adopted dogs, Trixie and Lulu, were kept separate from the penguins during the visit.

Nikita Waterman, lifestyle coordinator at the care home, said: “The dogs kept coming up to the window to check out the new visitors, Lulu in particular was keen to see who was getting all of her cuddles and strokes!

“The penguins were very curious about the dogs too and kept waddling over to the window to see them.”

Pictured top: Rose Nesbitt, who has impaired vision, stroking Widget’s flipper (Picture: Heathfield Court Care Home)