Topic outline
- Waddle This Way
- A trio of penguins
A trio of penguins
We have three species of penguin at Edinburgh Zoo and you can see them all by looking through these photos.
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Gentoo Penguins
We are currently home to over 100 gentoo penguins in our colony.
Although fairly plain compared to our other species they more than make up for this by their exuberant personalities. They are active, curious individuals always investigating their surroundings which can sometimes get them into trouble!
King Penguins
King penguins were one of the very first species to be kept at Edinburgh Zoo. They were first bred at the Zoo in 1919, which was the first captive breeding of this species anywhere in the world.
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
We have a small colony of northern rockhopper penguins at Edinburgh Zoo. They are the smallest species of penguins we have at RZSS, but what they lack in size they make up for in attitude!
You can also learn more about each of our penguin species with our Penguins on Parade activity below. - Penguin Fun!
Penguin Fun!
Penguins on Parade
Learn more about the residents of Edinburgh Zoo and why they're here.
Find out more - Parade Poetry
Parade Poetry
Get poetic about the first ever penguin parade at Edinburgh Zoo or try singing our lyrics below!
Penguin Parade Poetry
- Rockhopper Conservation
- Penguin Olympics
Penguin Olympics
Can you win a medal? Practice some penguin behaviours by competing in the Penguin Olympics!
Penguin Olympics - Penguin Yoga
- snow fun!
- Live from Penguins Rock!
- Behind the Scenes at Edinburgh Zoo
Behind the Scenes at Edinburgh Zoo
Learn more about our penguins from one of their keepers at the Zoo, or go behind the scenes to see the penguin prep-room!
- Penguin Cam
Penguin Cam
Enjoy our penguin colony from your very own home!
Our association with these amazing birds began in January 1913 with the arrival of three king penguins and the first successful hatching of a king penguin chick in 1919. These were the first penguins ever to be seen anywhere outside of the South Atlantic, and we have pioneered the care and science of penguins ever since.
Edinburgh Zoo is now home to Europe's largest outdoor penguin pool and over 150 penguins, including Gentoos, Kings and Northern Rockhoppers.
Penguin Cam -
Enjoyed these activities?
You can learn more about our amazing penguins with our slightly more advanced Puzzling Over Penguins short course.
Puzzling Over Penguins - This page at a glance