From BBC News 26 MAR 2024

Bonzo the barn owl swooped into Hargrave House in Stansted Mountfitchet to give the residents a lift.

An animal therapy scheme is being run to mentally stimulate people with certain physical or mental health conditions.

Care home manager Angela Dickson said the benefits were “huge”.

“Everyone loved having Bonzo visit and were happy to be given the chance to hold her,” she added.

Des Jordan, of Bonzo’s home at Performing Pets, said animal-assisted therapy helped to reduce feelings of depression and anxiety.

“It’s wonderful to see the pleasure she brings to residents,” he said.