People at a care home in Oxfordshire welcomed two unexpected visitors last week, and took some pics which should definitely be on their Christmas cards.

Charlie and Pringle the Humboldt penguins walked around the lounge of Spencer Court greeting residents, posing by the chairs and even sitting on several laps.

They got there just in time, too, as the Health Secretary announced today that people in care homes will soon face new limits on visitors to slow the spread of the Omicron variant.

If the new rules pass the Commons tomorrow, as they are expected to, then residents will only be able to have three nominated visitors from Wednesday – and there was no mention of exemptions for penguins in the legislation.

The two aquatic birds live at Heythrop Zoo, and are quite used to visiting different care homes in England as a form of therapy.

(How have we never heard of this before?)

Charlie is more mature, at 26 years old, while Pringle aged nine brings some youthful exuberance.

A spokesperson for the zoo said: ‘These penguins are not only comfortable and familiar with travelling, but we believe they show positive behaviour signs when interacting with different people… they are used to and therefore not stressed by the presence of human beings.

‘It is the belief of Heythrop Zoo that by bringing unusual and undomesticated species to the attention of the general public – particularly when accompanied by educational talks – they raise community awareness that indirectly aids conservation.’

The penguins, which are native to Peru and Chile, were pictured waddling around as residents looked on – and even perched on several laps during their visit.

Dorte Chandler, manager at Spencer Court, said: ‘Residents and colleagues at the home have experienced very challenging times since Covid-19 emerged, so we wanted to make this Christmas extra special for everyone.

‘What better way to do that than by welcoming these wonderful penguins right into our care home. They are amazing creatures, and we are all enjoying learning more about them together.’

Humboldt penguins can reach speeds of up to 30mph when swimming, but were a little more sedate when interacting with the elderly residents of the care home.

The event must have been exciting – but perhaps not as exciting as when residents of another care home were greeted with a roast dinner served by butlers in the buff.

Doll Jenkins, the oldest resident, said she loved the butlers so much she had requested for them to be back for her 100th birthday.

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