Edinburgh children paint special pebbles for penguins

Children being supported by Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (ECHC) have painted special pebbles to celebrate the beginning of penguin breeding season at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) Edinburgh Zoo.

Discovery and community officers from the wildlife conservation charity delivered the pebbles as part of their weekly interactive sessions at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People which aim to bring children closer to nature and the animals at Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park.

The penguins are incredibly popular with children at the hospital who regularly watch them on RZSS’s live webcams at the zoo. They will now be able to keep up with all the breeding activity at Penguins Rock and watch the penguins pick up their painted pebbles as they use them to build their nests.

Beccy Angus, Head of Discovery and Learning at RZSS, said: “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.

“Penguin breeding season is always really popular with our visitors who had the opportunity to paint pebbles in February half term. Everyone loves to see the penguins run to pick out the perfect pebbles and present them to their mate.

“This year is so exciting as the children get to watch them build colourful nests with the pebbles they have painted, creating a real, physical connection with the animals they love.”

Roslyn Neely, CEO of ECHC, said: “The pebble-painting session was a real treat for children and young people in hospital. One mum told us her daughter loved finding out all about the penguins and the session had really helped to keep her happy and distracted during some tough tests and treatment.

“How exciting that those who took part can now see their feathered friends enjoying their new, colourful pebbles at Edinburgh Zoo!

“We would like to say an enormous thank you to the RZSS team for bringing us such wonderful, impactful activities, which really help to make time spent in hospital better for seriously ill children and their families.”

RZSS has pledged to enable more than 100 communities to better protect nature by 2030. As part of that work, the charity also offers free tickets to families with children being treated at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young people.

Ms Angus continued, “Stronger communities have a greater capacity to care for wildlife, and through our zoos, outreach and community programmes, we can help more people realise the mental and physical health and wellbeing benefits of being close to nature.

“We know our zoos are important places for families to spend valuable time together and take a break from the pressures and challenges they may be facing. It is incredible to be able to offer that space and time for those who need it and we are so grateful to every visitor, member, patron and supporter that makes this possible.”

To find out more about supporting RZSS community projects like the ECHC partnership, visit rzss.org.uk/support.