Witney 90-year-old's dream comes true as she feeds penguins

Margaret Lawley, a resident at Millers Grange care home, was given the opportunity after telling the home's staff she waned to feed the penguins.

The care home team organised a visit to the park for Mrs Lawley, her husband Lionel, and fellow residents Anne and Ruby.

During the visit, she became a penguin keeper for the day and spent the morning feeding the Humboldt penguins buckets of fish and taking part in the park's penguin talk for members of the public.

Margaret Lawley feeding the penguins at Cotswold Wildlife Park (Image: Care UK) Her interest in penguins began when she was seven, during her first visit to London Zoo where she saw them in person.

At around 15, she fell in love with penguins after seeing them on a TV programme, finding joy in watching them waddle around.

Although she still enjoys watching penguins on TV, she was keen to see them up close once again.

Mrs Lawley said: "I loved it, it was like being a kid again.

"I was amazed by the friendliness of the staff at Cotswold Wildlife Park - nothing was too much for them.

"They were so helpful, especially when it came to feeding the penguins."

The visit was part of the home’s wishing tree initiative, which encourages residents to put their wishes forward, allowing them to reconnect with a past hobby or try something new.

Rachel Scurr, home manager at Millers Grange, said: "Margaret is always asking for us to put the penguins on the TV, and when she told us that she wanted to see them in person, the team knew they had to make it happen.

"Our wishing tree initiative is a great way for residents to share their dreams and interests, and it’s so rewarding to be able to make these a reality.

"Margaret had a wonderful time as penguin keeper - she’s already talking about going back.

"I’d like to extend a big thank you to the team at Cotswold Wildlife Park for helping to make Margaret’s wish come true."

Debbie Ryan, media relations at Cotswold Wildlife Park, added: "It was an absolute pleasure to welcome Margaret and her fellow residents from Millers Grange care home back to the park.

"Margaret met and helped feed our colony of Humboldt penguins, but two in particular took an instant shine to Margaret, coming back several times for her to feed them - they were Stephen and his dad Puff.

"It was a joy to help make Margaret's dream come true."