Hospital kids painted 1,000 pebbles. Penguins chose their favorites.

At the Edinburgh Zoo in Scotland, it's mating season for penguins. Male penguins usually find special pebbles to give to female penguins. This helps them win over a mate.

For the past four years, children at the Royal Hospital for Children & Young People have helped with this tradition. They paint pebbles for the zoo's penguins. This partnership lets children connect with nature, even while in the hospital.

Penguins Choose Colorful Pebbles

The Edinburgh Zoo shared a video showing the penguins picking their favorite painted pebbles. Over 1,000 colorful pebbles were available this year. The zoo noted that the penguins were "spoilt for choice."

Many people loved seeing this project. One person suggested showing live footage of the penguins choosing pebbles to the children in the hospital. This could lift their spirits. A grandparent shared that their grandson painted a pebble and hoped it would be chosen.