As part of a pet therapy style experience, birds of prey specialists from the Raptor Foundation have joined residents from CHS Group’s care home Vera James House in Ely for an afternoon of education and demonstrations. The charity brought along a range of birds including owls and hawks.

The event highlighted the joy that unusual animals can bring to residents’ lives. The afternoon session included flying displays and handling experiences. The charity informed the care home residents about how to handle birds of prey, how they are used in hunting and pest clearance, and environmental changes.

The Raptor Foundation offers emergency aid and after care to injured birds. The specialist centre includes an on-site hospital equipped to treat a variety of injuries.

Tony Pillow, Manager at Vera James House said: “The Raptor Foundation’s visit was the perfect way to engage the residents in an interactive experience. We’ve hosted pets for therapy sessions before but none as thrilling as this. The residents were surprised by how friendly the birds were, and the experience definitely made their week.”