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Spirits soared at a Hartlepool care home after birds of prey paid a visit to residents as part of an animal therapy initiative to boost resident well-being and combat loneliness.

Residents at Queens Meadow Care Home, in Stockton Road, Hartlepool, were visited by birds of prey from Yorkshire-based Owl Adventures, Falconry and Mobile Zoo.

Residents learned a range of facts about the birds and were given the chance to hold them, including a barn owl, Eurasian eagle owl, and a Harris hawk.

Senior carer Julie Bartosiak said: “You could see on the residents’ faces how amazed they were. We were really lucky to witness these beautiful animals.”

Queens Meadow Care Home senior carer, Julie Bartosiak holds a Eurasian eagle owl from Yorkshire-based Owl Adventures.

Christine Holroyd, 71, added: “I have always loved owls and I have never seen one in person.”

Care home manager Rachael Smith said: “The residents thoroughly enjoyed the visit from Owl Adventures and we’d like to thank them for taking the time to come and see us.”

Flying visit from owls lift Hartlepool care home residents’ spirits