Zoo sponsors like to p-pick the penguins

VISITORS to Edinburgh Zoo have been flocking to pick up a penguin over the last 12 months, new figures have revealed.

The birds are the most popular choice for people sponsoring a creature at the zoo - and also took second and third places.

Over the past year 180 people adopted a King penguin, 106 a Gentoo penguin and 99 a Rockhopper penguin.

The flightless birds are stars of the show at Edinburgh Zoo, where they stroll out in a daily parade.

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland lets people sponsor a creature at the zoo or wildlife park for a year through its adoption scheme.

Money raised through the scheme goes towards the general care and upkeep of the animals, and can pay for things like food, veterinary care and heating the enclosures. It may also go towards other conservation and research work.