Isle of Wight care home residents visited by disabled barn owl

Blackwater Mill Residental Home hosted Peggy and Keely Woodberry from Key's Little Birds, who saved the little owl after she was born stuck to her shell, causing her to suffer a mini-stroke.

The residents were given the opportunity to stroke and hold Peggy, and the staff got the chance to interact with her too.

Keely, who works at Blackwater Mill, taught Peggy how to walk and fly short distances with her disabled wing, and from not being expected to live, has now reached the age of two.

Residents Bill and Barry meeting Peggy the British Barn Owl (Image: Blackwater Mill Residential Home)

To begin with, the little owl could only walk backwards, but later learned how to walk forward.

Peggy, who cannot be released into the wild due to her disabilities, spends the daytime outside in her aviary and sits on the end of Keely's bed and watches over her at night.

Penny T’yau, general manager, said: “It is wonderful to be able to give our residents these special experiences. They really help them to live a full and happy life.

"We are very grateful to Keely. She has generously given up her own time to help our residents with their life enrichment.”