Edinburgh Zoo's penguin parade returns as 'Wee Waddle'

The penguin parade has returned to Edinburgh Zoo in the form of the Wee Waddle.

The world-famous procession is making a comeback after it was cancelled last year amid fears over bird flu.

The reimagined event sees penguins leave the Penguins Rock habitat to wander along the perimeter of a new experience area, where they can be seen during public feedings and interacting with keepers. Visitors are able to get an up-close view from behind a penguin-sized mesh fence.

Rangers also deliver educational talks covering the three penguin species housed at the zoo: Gentoo, King, and Northern Rockhopper.

The parade features a number of well-known birds, including Sir Nils Olav, a King Penguin holding the rank of Major General in the Norwegian King’s Guard, and Kevin, a penguin previously removed from the procession for biting visitors’ shoelaces.

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In a statement, the zoo said: “The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland‘s (RZSS) penguin colony at Edinburgh Zoo will once again take part in their famous Wee Waddle.

“This experience allows visitors the chance to get up close as the gentoo, rockhopper and king penguins take a stroll along the walkway and explore the area outside of their habitat.”

The tradition is understood to have originated in 1949 after a keeper accidentally left a habitat gate open, allowing a group of penguins to walk through the zoo grounds – leading the walk to become a routine event.

The attraction was initially suspended in 2020 for four years due to the Covid pandemic to limit large public gatherings. It returned in 2024, but was stopped due to avian influenza risks.

Zoo management have reinstated the event following updated official guidance confirming a lower risk of avian flu in the UK, with added safety precautions.

To avoid disruption during the birds’ breeding, hatching, and rearing, the Wee Waddle runs exclusively on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays throughout the autumn and winter months.