Edinburgh Zoo penguins set for return of tradition

The 105-strong troupe needed p-p-p-plenty of practice after some of its newest members wandered off during rehearsals.

But the more experienced members took them under their wing and no slip-ups are anticipated at the relaunch of the parade tomorrow.

The event marks 61 years since the beginning of the march, which began after a Gentoo penguin escaped through an unsecured gate.

A keeper decided to allow others to follow, and they strutted around the zoo and on to Corstorphine Road.

A zoo spokesman said: “The birds have been practicing and they’re now ready to go back on parade.

“Our visitors absolutely love the parade, too, and it is one of the real highlights of their day.”

Would you like to be part of the penguin parade?

One of our lucky readers, together with three of their friends or family, will get to march with the penguins tomorrow.

The prize also includes the opportunity to spend all day at Edinburgh Zoo, together with your friends/family, a panda viewing slot and lunch to the value of £25 in one of Edinburgh Zoo’s eateries.

If you would like to enter, simply tells us, in no more than 80 words, why you think you should be able to walk with the penguins. Entries should be emailed to

[email protected]

with “penguin” in the subject line by 8pm tonight.

Terms and conditions:

1.The competition opens at 8am and closes at 8pm on 28/03/13.

2. One entry per person permitted.

3.There is one prize available. The prize is for one person and three family or friends to take part in the official relaunch of the Penguin Parade at Edinburgh Zoo on Friday 29th March at 2.15pm. The prize also includes access to Edinburgh Zoo during opening hours on that day only for the winner and their three friends/family and lunch to the value of £25 to spend on the day in one of the zoo’s onsite restaurants.

4.The competition is open to people aged five and over.

5.The three friends and family of the winner must be five years of age or older to take part in the Penguin Parade.

6.The prize is non-transferable and there is no cash or prize alternative available.

7.Any additional guests will be required to pay full price entry to the zoo and will not be guaranteed panda viewing. They also cannot take part in the Penguin Parade.

8.The RZSS reserves the right to cancel the event due to any unforeseen animal welfare issues.

9.Every effort is made to ensure the park is always open. However, due to unforeseen circumstances access may be restricted.

10.The winner will be notified by email, using the email registered when entering the prize by 8pm on Thursday 28th March.

11.Winners will have one hour to accept the prize before another prize winner is selected.

12.The prize must be taken on the date as detailed in the competition.

13.No travel, accommodation or expenses will be provided as part of the prize.

14.The competition is not open to employees of RZSS.

15.This competition is open to all UK residents