Tourists fed adorable Humboldt penguins at a zoo in northeast Thailand.

Dozens of visitors to the Khon Kaen zoo took part in the educational feeding activity on May 17, interacting with the birds as they waddled and swam in their enclosure.

Khon Kaen Zoo director Narongwit Chodchoy said: 'The feeding activity is designed to offer a unique experience to tourists while also promoting the natural behaviours of the Humboldt penguins through the development of their feeding habits.

'The feeding activity takes place twice a day, at 10 AM and 2 PM, in the penguin exhibition area of Khon Kaen Zoo, where tourists can learn more about them.'

The Humboldt penguin is classified as a medium-sized penguin species, typically measuring around 16 inches in height and weighing an average of 11 pounds.

As the Humboldt penguin matures, it develops distinctive features such as a white border around its eyes, black markings on its chest and neck, and pink flesh on the base of its bill.

Humboldt penguins are typically found along the coasts of South America inhabiting islands and rocky coasts in small social groups.

They are designated 'vulnerable' under the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List, being affected by El Niño-La Niña weather dynamics and human encroachment on their habitats.