Love is in the air as penguin breeding season starts at Edinburgh Zoo

Over 100 gentoo penguins at Edinburgh Zoo are getting ready for the 2026 breeding season after the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) began laying out this year’s nest rings.

Before the rings even went in, the wildlife conservation charity’s penguins were already patiently waiting to pick the best spots as the nests were wheeled into their habitat. Among those already coupled up are visitor favourites, Muffin and Mittens, with lots of partner wooing still to take place.

Pebbles, a vital part of these courtship rituals, will follow in the coming weeks. Visitors might even be able to spot their own decorated pebble being chosen (or rejected) by the penguins by taking place in the Penguin Love Pebbles event, which runs until Wednesday 18 February.

Visitors looking to visit Edinburgh Zoo and paint their own pebble can book online and save.