A care home in Wisbech was bustling with excitement on July 31, when two donkeys, Milly, 6, and her older sister Pixie, 8, visited residents and staff.

The sight of the friendly animals brought overwhelming delight to all at Rose Lodge.

General manager Meg Jones, said: “Animals hold such a special place in so many of our residents’ hearts and we wanted to foster this love and be able to support residents, especially those who may find it difficult to go out on our minibus."

Care home residents enjoy unexpected donkey visit Care home residents enjoy unexpected donkey visit (Image: Submitted)

She further highlighted the positive therapeutic influence on the residents, particularly those living with frailties and dementia, who enjoyed patting and stroking the donkeys.

Resident Alice said: “They are such beautiful animals aren’t they, so gentle and soft- I don’t know how anyone could hurt them”

The care home, run by Barchester Healthcare, is devoted to delivering personalised care to its residents, including those needing residential, nursing and dementia care.

The unexpected visit surely contributed to the home's resident-focused approach.