PENGUINS at Edinburgh Zoo have received colourful pebbles, painted especially by children at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People.
The pebbles celebrate the beginning of penguin breeding season at Edinburgh Zoo, in which the birds use stones to build nests.
The project is run by Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (ECHC) who fund life-changing equipment, training, and research to help kids in hospitals around the city.
As part of the RZSS’s weekly sessions at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, young people painted hundreds of pebbles for the penguins to enjoy.
The freshly designed stones were brought to the zoo by Sophie, one of the young people supported by ECHC, who helped to put the pebbles in the enclosure before watching the penguins explore the new delivery.
Pictures show the creatures picking up the pebbles and taking them back to their nests, which can be seen continually through a webcam provided by Edinburgh Zoo.
Through visiting the hospital, the RZSS aims to help young people get closer to nature, as they say that the children enjoy watching the zoo animals through the webcams and will now be able to see their own pebbles in the penguin enclosure.
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.”
