“They’re smoother than we expected — just really nice and cuddly.”
That was the verdict from one delighted resident at a Stoke-on-Trent care home after meeting two very special visitors: penguins.
A surprise visit
Pringle and Widget, two Humboldt penguins, waddled into Hilton House Care Home, bringing smiles and laughter with them.
The pair happily sat on residents’ laps, allowing gentle strokes and cuddles — an experience few could have imagined.
Full of personality
Their keeper, Barbara Marques, said encounters like this can bring real joy.
“Penguins are such special animals,” she explained. “They’re very inquisitive — and a bit cheeky too.”
Each penguin has their own personality:
- Pringle is calm and relaxed
- Widget is more mischievous — earning his name as a fidgety chick
“They also love looking at themselves in glass,” Marques added with a smile. “They’re a bit vain.”
More than just a visit
For the residents, the experience was more than just entertaining — it was meaningful.
Care home manager Gemma Vaughn said they regularly host visits from animals like dogs and cats, which are known to boost wellbeing.
But penguins? That’s something else entirely.
“When you get a penguin, it’s unheard of,” she said. “It’s wonderful seeing everyone come together and enjoy something so special.”
A moment of joy
For a short time, the care home was filled with laughter, curiosity and a few waddling footsteps — proving that even the most unexpected visitors can make a big difference.
And for the residents, meeting Pringle and Widget was a moment they won’t soon forget.