Celebrate the season of love with Valentine’s events at Edinburgh Zoo

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) has announced a series of Valentine’s Day themed events at Edinburgh Zoo to help the wildlife conservation charity create a world where nature is protected, valued and loved.

Visitors to the zoo in February half term will be able to paint pebbles that the penguins will use to build nests when their breeding season starts in March, with artists in with a chance to name a chick if their pebble is picked.

Other experiences available include ‘Lovebird Lunches’ and a special date night on Valentine’s Day itself when couples can get up close and personal with some of the zoos’ friendliest residents, learn how animals show their love in the wild and enjoy a romantic candlelit three-course dinner.

Lindsay Ross, events and experiences manager at RZSS, said, “Our new Valentine’s events offer a great opportunity for visitors to celebrate love in the animal kingdom, spend quality time together with their loved ones and support our wildlife conservation charity’s vital work to reverse the decline of at least 50 species by 2030.

“Penguin breeding season is always an exciting time at the zoo, and it will be even more special this year because our visitors will have the chance to be involved by decorating a pebble. Every year when keepers place the nest rings into Penguins Rock, we love to see the penguins dash off to pick out the perfect pebbles to woo their mate.

“The penguins are given a large selection of pebbles to choose from, but the gentoos will often steal the most appealing pebbles from their neighbours, which results in a fair bit of Penguins Rock drama.”

 Valentine’s events will run on select days from Saturday 11 February until Wednesday 15 February. Tickets and more information about each event is available at edinburghzoo.org.uk/events.