Good NewsPenguin named Roast Beef charms nursing-home residents
Roast Beef, a 13-year-old African penguin, is accustomed to community-event appearances, often entertaining school groups. But last Wednesday, the cute, five-pound bird left his home at the New England Aquarium for his first-ever visit to a nursing home.
Roast Beef visited residents at the Hannah Duston Rehabilitation Center in Haverhill, Massachusetts, after one of its residents, Sandra Ramsey-Sterling, sent the New England Aquarium a letter and artwork depicting her favourite birds.
Zoo personnel had a "eureka" moment upon receiving the letter:
"Everybody loves penguins — it doesn't matter how old you are!" said Tony LaCasse, spokesperson for New England Aquarium.
The zoo then planned a special visit for Roast Beef to the rehabilitation centre.
"He was fabulous. Everybody's been thanking me. It really made their day," said Ramsey-Sterling.
"For the duration of his outings, Roast Beef stays inside a special, air-conditioned cubicle with toys inside to keep him occupied. Handlers don't let him leave the cubicle during community events," MSNBC reports.
Penguins, while adorable, have sharp beaks and "can projectile poop" — not exactly people-friendly features — so safety precautions must be taken during special visitations.
