Penguins have been given painted pebbles -

to celebrate the start of breeding season.

Edinburgh Zoo’s gentoo penguins are seen with the small rocks which were decorated by children being supported by Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity.

It is part of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) weekly interactive sessions at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People.

Gentoo penguins have started building nests in preparation for choosing their ideal partner.

Staff have set up special nest rings, while the birds have been picking through a mound of smooth stones to find the perfect one.

After choosing a favourite stone, the penguins then choose a mate, and finally choose a nest together.

The first eggs should start to appear in April, with the first chicks hatching in May after a 33 to 35-day incubation period.

The penguin parents share the incubation and parenting duties.

When the chicks reach three to four months of age, they are old enough to leave the nest and join a large crèche with the other penguin chicks.

Whilst in the crèche the young penguins will learn essential skills such as how to swim and feed.

To find out more about supporting RZSS community projects like the ECHC partnership, visit rzss.org.uk/support.