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Children's Art Brightens Penguin Nests at Edinburgh Zoo
15 Mar
Summary
- Patients designed and painted pebbles for Gentoo penguins' nests.
- The project connects hospital patients with nature and zoo animals.
- Over 1,000 pebbles were decorated by patients this past winter.
Patients at Edinburgh's Royal Hospital for Children and Young People have created over 1,000 artistically decorated pebbles to aid Gentoo penguins at the Edinburgh Zoo during their breeding season. This initiative, which began in 2022, allows young patients to connect with nature by designing items for zoo animals, fostering a sense of purpose and joy.
The decorated pebbles are a crucial part of the penguins' courtship and nesting rituals. Gentoo penguins use pebbles to build nests, with females favoring larger nests for better egg insulation and survival rates. This winter, patients painted pebbles with various designs, including hearts, trees, and engagement rings.
Zoo workers brought the pebbles to the hospital, and zoo staff later introduced them into the penguin habitat. Patients watched via livestream as penguins like Buzz and Bertie selected pebbles for their nests and partners. This project has become a significant annual event, strengthening the bond between the hospital and the zoo.
