Painting pebbles for penguins

Penguins at Edinburgh Zoo love p-p-p-picking up pebbles – especially these special ones painted by children at RHCYP!

Children at the hospital are big fans of watching Chorizo the penguin and his feathered friends on the Penguin Cam, so loved the opportunity to paint the pebbles as part of our weekly interactive sessions with the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS).

One mum told us: “The session with the zoo was such a welcome distraction. My daughter loved finding out all about the penguins and the activity really helped to keep her happy during some tough tests and treatment. She was so excited to see Chorizo and his pals enjoying the pebbles she painted!”

Young patients and their families can now keep up with all the activity at Penguin Rock and watch the penguins fight for their favourite 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, and 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.”

An enormous thank you to RZSS for bringing this awesome activity to make time spent in hospital a little bit better. Waddle it be next week, we wonder?!