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Penguins Pringle and Widget 'bring a lot of joy'

Ethan SaundersBBC Radio Stoke
BBC An elderly lady wearing a red jumper is holding a penguin. She is sitting in a pink chair with a tall back. Next to her is another woman, sitting in a similar chair which is green.BBC
The Humboldt penguins enjoyed cuddles with residents

"They're smoother than what we thought. They're just really nice and cuddly".

That's the verdict of one Stoke-on-Trent care home resident, after meeting two penguins that waddled in to visit.

The pair – named Pringle and Widget – were at Hilton House Care Home, opposite the Royal Stoke Hospital, where they sat on residents' laps and had a cuddle.

Zoo keeper and trainer Barbara Marques, who brought in the Humboldt penguins, says meeting them brings "a lot of joy" to people.

A penguin on a wooden floor, with another behind it. There are elderly people in the distance sitting in chairs. The closest penguin is looking sideways while the one behind has its wings outstretched.
The penguins visiting was "beneficial" for residents, according to bosses

"Penguins are a very special species, they are so inquisitive," she said.

"They can be quite cheeky, which is what makes them so special.

"Pringle is a very good boy, he's calm and quiet and Widget can be a bit on the cheeky side – he's called Widget because when he was a chick he was a right little fidget," she added.

"They love looking at themselves in the glass, they are a bit vain in that way."

A woman with blonde hair is smiling for the camera. She is wearing a blue polo shirt and a dark grey gilet. She is standing in room with elderly people in the background.
The Humboldt penguins brought joy to people, according to keeper Barbara Marques

Care home manager Gemma Vaughn said she wanted to offer the penguin experience, after spotting their antics on social media.

"We've had dogs come in, and cats, which is very beneficial for our residents but when you get a penguin, you know, it's unheard of," she said

"It's nice to see all the residents together, enjoying the activities, getting the benefit from the penguins being here."

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