Penguins on parade

Dec 28 2012 by Donald Morton, 

Stirling Observer

Major redevelopment work to create a 21st century penguin enclosure at Edinburgh Zoo has seen the ever-popular daily parade of the iconic birds put on hold in recent months.
So the contractor tasked with constructing the new Penguins Rock enclosure in time for its grand spring opening decided to p-p-p-plug the gap and stage their own festive penguin parade.

Visitors to the zoo were delighted to see workmen from the Stirling-based Fraser Bruce Group revive the daily custom for one day only as they donned penguin costumes beneath their safety helmets and high-visibility waistcoats and faithfully followed senior bird keeper Nick Dowling and his buckets of fish.

Company managing director Fraser Bruce said they were delighted to take part in a bit of festive fun.

“Our crew has been working on major specialist waterproofing and remodelling work at the penguin enclosure for several months now and zoo visitors always ask us when the birds will be back in their new home and setting off on their daily walkabout,” he explained.

“The penguin parade is always a real crowd pleaser so as a Christmas treat we thought we would make sure that penguins were back on parade – albeit not as cute as the real thing.”

The Fraser Bruce Group has been involved in various aspects of the £750,000 redevelopment work which includes incorporating lots of fun elements for the birds such as diving platforms, slides and a bubble machine. There will also be a mock sandy beach and rocky areas.

Darren McGarry, Head of Living Collections at Edinburgh Zoo, said: “Penguins have been an iconic part of Edinburgh Zoo, virtually since the Zoo opened in 1913. We launched the exciting redevelopment project of our world famous penguin pool earlier this year, in order to create a 21st Century enclosure Penguins Rock that both our penguins and visitors will love.

“I thought it was wonderful when I heard that some employees from the Fraser Bruce Group were keen to don penguin suits and complete their very own penguin parade.

“The parade itself, which is currently suspended until spring next year when our penguins return from their holiday, has been running since 1951, and it is entirely up to the penguins if they want to take part in it.

“It is a real show of just how popular and well-loved Edinburgh Zoo’s penguins are and I thoroughly look forward to welcoming them back in the new year – which will be made doubly special as we celebrate our centenary year as well!”

Next spring will see the zoo’s full complement of king, gentoo and rockhopper penguins return in time to settle into their refurbished home before the spring breeding season begins.

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