Owl Makes ‘Flying Visit’ To For Animal Therapy Session

A barn owl, called Bonzo, has flown into Hargrave House in Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex, to bring some joy to its residents.

Visiting from family-run farm, Performing Pets, Bonzo popped into the residential care home for an animal therapy session. The feathered friend was taken around Hargrave House to interact with its residents and received a warm welcome from everyone there.

‘Animal therapy’ refers to the use of animals to help people with specific physical or mental health conditions, and Angela Dickson, Registered Manager at Hargrave House, says the benefits for her residents, are huge.

She said: “Interaction with different animals helps stimulate our residents’ brains and helps to keep them mentally active and engaged. Everyone loved having Bonzo visit and were happy to be given the chance to hold her. A huge thank you to Performing Pets for bringing her in today.”

Des Jordan from Performing Pets said: “Multiple studies have proven that Animal Assisted Therapy improves mood, reduces developing depression, and can support in decreasing the feelings of anxiety and sadness, as well as increasing physical activity. We always look forward to our visits to Hargrave House, and it’s wonderful to see the pleasure she brings to residents.”

Hargrave House is part of AgeCare UK and Director of Care, Jo Mason, is pleased to hear how much its residents enjoy its animal therapy sessions.

She said: “At Hargrave House, we foster a family approach, focusing on enabling residents to live well. It’s wonderful to hear that residents have benefited from this special visit from Bonzo the barn owl today.”