If you love penguins, your bucket list should include a trip to the Edinburgh Zoo in Scotland, primarily for their penguin parade. Although many “penguin parades” exist worldwide, the original penguin parade began at the Edinburgh Zoo. The year was 1951, and a zookeeper accidentally left a gate open. While continuing his duties, he noticed a gentoo penguin following him.
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History Of The Edinburgh Zoo Penguin Parade
As an experiment, the gate was left open as the zookeeper continued his daily routine. Before long, there was a single-file line of penguins following behind. And thus was born the Edinburgh Zoo penguin parade. The penguins enjoy the “escape” from their habitat and a brisk walk around the zoo.
Participation in the now daily Penguin parade is entirely voluntary. Some days, they choose to walk, and other days, they remain within their enclosure. The Edinburgh Zoo has three types of penguin colonies: King, Gentoo, and Rockhopper. The zoo has operated since 1913, and penguins have always been important to the zoo staff. The zoo also does special occasion parades, such as a Star Wars Day parade. On this particular day, May 4th, the penguins did an “Imperial March” to the Star Wars theme.
As technology continues to improve, there are more ways to watch the penguins, even if you can’t see them in person. A series of webcams allow you to see live activity from several of the animal habitats. The penguin enclosure is Penguin Rock, which is currently home to over one hundred penguins.
Penguins can be mischievous, and one penguin is forbidden from participating in the parade. Liz, the penguin keeper, stated, “You may spot Kevin, our naughtiest penguin, who has a lifetime ban from the penguin parade for pecking at our visitors!”
How To Watch The Edinburgh Zoo Penguins
Whether you can make an in-person trip or enjoy the penguins on the live webcam, we are sure you will be all smiles. These little critters will waddle right into your heart! You can watch the Edinburgh Zoo penguin parade below:
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