Edinburgh Zoo has cancelled its popular penguin parade, the Wee Waddle, due to an increased risk of avian influenza in the UK. The event, which typically takes place several times a week, involved penguins walking along a walkway next to their enclosure and was described as a “firm favourite” with visitors.
Jo Elliot, curator for the Royal Zoological Society for Scotland (RZSS), said: “Due to an increased risk of avian influenza in the UK we have made the decision to postpone our Wee Waddle for the foreseeable future.” The zoo has strengthened its bio-security measures, including increasing the number of disinfection points, to protect all bird species from the virus.
Elliot added: “While we know the Wee Waddle is a firm favourite with our visitors, protecting all of our animals is always our top priority.” The postponement comes amid rising bird flu cases across the country, prompting zoos to take precautionary measures.
