Children supported by Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (ECHC) have painted pebbles for the gentoo penguins at Edinburgh Zoo to commemorate the beginning of the penguin breeding season.
Community and welfare officers from the wildlife conservation charity delivered the pebbles to the Royal Hospital for Children as part of an interactive session.
The aim is to bring children and young people closer to nature and the animals at Edinburgh Zoo.
The pebbles are then returned to Edinburgh Zoo for the use of the gentoo penguins.
Gentoo penguins are known for gifting pebbles as a sign of romance and affection.
Male gentoos will search for the smoothest and roundest pebble and carry it in their beaks to a female gentoo.
These pebbles are used by the penguins to construct their nests, as they elevate eggs from the ground, keeping them dry and insulated.
Community and discovery officer for RZSS, Rebecca Parr stated: “An important part of our charity’s work is creating deeper connections to wildlife for more people, especially those who face barriers to experiencing nature like the children and families supported by ECHC.”
More can be found on the Edinburgh Zoo website here.
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