Mavis, an 85-year-old resident at Care UK’s Highmarket House in Banbury, has always wanted to see some penguins.
So when the home launched their Wishing Tree initiative, which encourages residents to put forward their dreams to see if the home can make them come true, Mavis knew just what to ask for.
But rather than just taking Mavis to see the penguins, staff went a step further by allowing Mavis to meet two penguins and give them a cuddle.
Hand-reared Humboldt penguins Pringle and Charlie paid a visit to the care home this week.
The duo are used to human contact and usually spend their days in a specially constructed enclosure in Heythrop Zoological Gardens that includes a swimming pool, pebble beach, and penguin house.
Originating from South America, the animals are used to warm weather and can adjust to different environments. The penguins regularly meet new people and attend workshops and educational talks all around the UK, which aim to raise the general public’s awareness of conservation matters.
When they met Mavis, the penguins were happy to sit on her lap and receive some strokes – and of course, Mavis was delighted with the surprise. She even wore a special penguin-themed jumper for the occasion.
Jo Pohl, home manager at Highmarket House, said: ‘At our care home with a difference we always like to go the extra-mile for residents, and make their wishes come true – no matter how unusual.
‘Mavis has always talked about penguins with passion, so we were really excited to be able to make her dream of seeing them up close come true.
‘We don’t accept that life at a care home has to be a particular way – we ensure there are no limitations to activities residents pursue and help them to lead independent, fulfilling lives, however they choose.
‘Each day at our care home is different and fun, but today was something extraordinary.
‘It was a truly wonderful moment when Mavis met the penguins and certainly created a stir in the home – we’ll be talking about this for weeks!’
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