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By Elizabeth Hunter

Adorable photos show penguins collecting pebbles painted by children in hospital.

The practice, known as pebbling, marks the start of the breeding season for Gentoo penguins.

Penguins were seen picking up the painted rocks with their beaks, and presenting them to their mates as gifts.

The pebbles were painted by children being supported by Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (ECHC) as part of their annual program, and the first stone is traditionally placed in the enclosure by one of the young people.

The children regularly watch livestreams of the Gentoo penguins in hospital, and will be able to watch the penguins pick through their rocks in real time on the stream.

A spokesperson from Edinburgh Zoo said: “Discovery and community officers from the wildlife conservation charity have been taking the pebbles into the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People (RHCYP) during weekly interactive sessions.

“This is part of an ongoing partnership that connect young patients with nature and the animals at Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park.

“The penguins are a favorite for children at RHCYP, who love following them via RZSS’s live webcams.

“The children will tune in to watch the penguins pick through the hand-painted pebbles for use in their nests.”

Roslyn Neely, CEO of ECHC, said, “It is truly wonderful that children and young people don’t have to miss out on their connection with nature, even while in hospital.

“During what can be the most challenging time for families, RZSS provides a welcome distraction and something to focus on beyond their condition, as well as a chance to bond over their love of animals.”

“We are enormously grateful to the RZSS team for providing such meaningful activities and interactions.

“They make a real difference in the hospital experience for seriously ill children and their families.”