Edinburgh Zoo has brought back its Wee Waddle event after a 10-month hiatus, giving visitors the chance to watch penguins take a stroll outside their usual habitat. The experience, which was a "firm favourite" with visitors, returned on October 9 with the first walk taking place.
The event runs through the autumn and winter months, with the penguins invited out of their habitat at Penguin Rock at 2:15pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. They return approximately 45 minutes later. No additional cost is added to visitors' tickets.
Return after avian influenza pause
The parade had been stopped last year for the "foreseeable future" due to a rise in avian influenza in the UK. The decision to postpone was announced last December, with the zoo prioritising the safety of the birds.
At the time, curator Jo Elliot 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. We have strengthened our bio-security measures on-site, increasing the amount of disinfection points to keep all of our bird species safe from the virus. While we know the Wee Waddle is a firm favourite with our visitors, protecting all of our animals is always our top priority."
New route and visitor reactions
The updated experience sees the birds, including gentoo, rockhopper and king penguin, walk around an adjoining new experience area that encompasses part of the same route as the old Penguin Parade. Penguins will be fed and interact with keepers, with visitors able to get closer than usual, though they must remain behind a small penguin-sized mesh fence.
Sharing the news on Facebook, Edinburgh Zoo wrote: "The Wee Waddle is back! Get closer to our iconic penguins as we invite them to take a stroll outside of their pool. Our discovery rangers will give you the low-down on who’s who in the colony, including the world's highest-ranking animal, Sir Nils Olav, and the infamous Kevin who was previously banned for playfully nipping at shoelaces!"
Social media users shared their joy online, with one Facebook user writing: "My favourite thing to see at the zoo apart from baby pygmy hippos." Another visitor complimented: "Absolutely brilliant performance, over the years. Well done." A third person shared: "Went a few years ago for my birthday. It was brilliant, hoping to come back again in November."
One excited visitor asked: "Yay does this mean Kevin will be allowed out, he wasn’t last time we were there a few years ago, and he looked so sad walking on the inside whilst his mates were allowed out." Edinburgh Zoo confirmed that mischievous Kevin has been allowed back out for the waddle. More information on the Wee Waddle can be found on the Edinburgh Zoo website.
