Wee waddle

FAQs

What happened to the Penguin Parade and why/how have we brought it back?

The parade was stopped a few years ago due to concern regarding the spread of Avian Influenza (AI). The UK was declared to be AI-free in May 2024, making it safe again for the penguins to explore outside of their usual habitat, albeit with some precautions in place.

Will there be a Wee Waddle every day?

No – just on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays – and only during Autumn and Winter, so as not to disturb the penguin breeding, hatching and rearing season.

What time is it on and how long does it last for?

The penguins will be invited to come out at 2:15 pm and will return to their habitat approximately 45 minutes later.

What will I see at the Wee Waddle?

The penguins will be invited to leave Penguins Rock into the adjoining new experience area, which encompasses part of the same route from the old Penguin Parade. The penguins will then be fed and interact with keepers. Visitors will be able to get closer than usual but will still have to remain behind a small penguin-sized mesh fence.

Will I have to book a ticket to see the Wee Waddle?

No, the Wee Waddle is included as part of your normal entry ticket.

Is the Wee Waddle accessible for wheelchair users?

Yes, there are vantage points around the Wee Waddle by which wheelchair users will be able to see the fun.

The Wee Waddle was cancelled on the day. Can we get a refund?

As the Wee Waddle is a complementary additional feature and not part of the main ticket cost, refunds will not be issued. As with any of our talks or experiences, animals may need to be taken off-show at short notice for welfare or other reasons.

How do I plan my visit to coincide with a Wee Waddle?

The Wee Waddle will commence on Friday 20 September, and every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday after that. It will initially run on a trial basis during Autumn 2024, with the option to extend into the winter. The penguins will be invited to explore the experience area at 2:15pm and are expected to return approximately 45 minutes later. Please note that in some instances it may be necessary to cancel the Wee Waddle at short notice, for example in extreme weather conditions.

Can I watch the Wee Waddle on the webcams?

Our charity’s webcams don’t cover the area that the Wee Waddle takes place in, but you can watch our penguins exploring Penguins Rock.

Is the Penguin Parade coming back?

No. The Wee Waddle is our charity’s updated version of the parade which will allow visitors to get up-close while the penguins are fed and watch them waddle around the new experiences area outside Penguins Rock.

Why was the Penguin Parade cancelled?

The parade was originally postponed due to Covid, to avoid large crowds gathering close together along the route. It was further postponed due to avian influenza. As the risk of avian flu is now lower in the UK, we have decided to launch the Wee Waddle. If avian flu returns to the UK we will follow government recommendations and protocols – which may result in the Wee Waddle being postponed.