Burbage: Fluffy alpacas surprise residents at care home

Two fluffy alpacas surprised residents at a Leicestershire care home during their afternoon tea.

Dante and Dustin were met by "cheers, gasps and laughter" at Moat House Care Home, in Burbage, at the weekend.

Staff at the care home said the pair brought "so much happiness" to the residents, who "relished" the opportunity to cuddle and feed them.

The animals, which originate from Peru, were also taken on a guided tour of the care home and its grounds.

The care home said the "heart-warming experience" provided smiles to the surprised faces of residents and staff.

One resident said: "It was such a lovely surprise and so nice to have such wonderful visitors, they are so fluffy and soft."

A member of staff said the visit from The Alpaca Pals was a "wonderful surprise".

"It brought so much happiness to everyone," they said.

"The whole home was eager to meet Dante and Dustin, and we loved treating them to a carrot stick or two."

Care home manager Paul Bundyford said it was "truly special" for the residents, adding it was "a day to remember".

He added: "The residents, their families and the team thoroughly enjoyed it, and it was an absolute delight to see the reaction on the residents faces when they met the alpacas."

Follow BBC Leicester on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.