Easter comes early as penguins lay eggs at Edinburgh Zoo 

Easter has arrived early at Edinburgh Zoo with the first penguin eggs of the year appearing in nests.

Several of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s much-loved gentoo and Northern rockhopper penguins have begun laying eggs.

Penguins Muffin and Mittens are the first couple to lay an egg for the second year running. 

The eggs, carefully tended by attentive parents, will begin to hatch in late spring.

Royal Zoological Society of Scotland

Edinburgh Zoo is home to over 150 penguins in Europe’s largest outdoor penguin pool.

Each chick born at the zoo contributes to international breeding programmes that help protect the species.  

Visitors to the zoo may be lucky enough to witness the nesting rituals, from bowing to sharing incubation duties.

The zoo’s expert keeper and veterinary teams will be providing round-the-clock care, ensuring the best possible conditions for both parents and their eggs. 

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