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. 
 

This year one of the young people supported by ECHC, Sophie, has given the zoo an extra helping hand by putting the very first painted pebbles into the Penguins Rock enclosure.  
 

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

Rebecca Parr, RZSS community and discovery officer 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. 
 

“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.” 
 

Roslyn Neely, CEO of ECHC, said, “It is truly wonderful that children and young people don’t have to miss out on their connection with nature, even while in hospital. During what can be the most challenging time for families, RZSS provides a welcome distraction and something to focus on beyond their condition, as well as a chance to bond over their love of animals.” 
 

“We are enormously grateful to the RZSS team for providing such meaningful activities and interactions. They make a real difference in the hospital experience for seriously ill children and their families.” 

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