Edinburgh Zoo’s Wee Waddle returns for the October school holidays
Edinburgh Zoo’s penguins are stepping out again, with the Wee Waddle returning on Friday 9 October 2026, just in time for the October break.
If you’re planning a family day out in Edinburgh during the school holidays, the return of this much-loved penguin experience gives you another reason to visit.
Watch the birds explore beyond Penguins Rock while learning more about the zoo’s gentoo, rockhopper and king penguins.
What is the Wee Waddle?
The Wee Waddle is a reimagined version of Edinburgh Zoo’s famous Penguin Parade. Penguins leave their habitat to take part in feeds before waddling around part of the perimeter, giving visitors a closer look at the colony.
Discovery rangers will share information about the zoo’s three penguin species, so there’s more to the experience than a procession of particularly well-dressed birds.
Taking part is entirely the penguins’ choice. They are not made to leave their habitat, which means the line-up depends on who fancies a stroll.
Look out for Sir Nils Olav and Kevin
According to the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), familiar faces expected to join the Wee Waddle include Sir Nils Olav, described by the conservation charity as the world’s highest-ranking animal.
There’s also Kevin, who was previously banned from the experience for nipping at shoelaces. Clearly, even Edinburgh’s penguins have their own characters.
As participation is voluntary, appearances by individual penguins cannot be guaranteed.
When is Edinburgh Zoo’s Wee Waddle?
The announced schedule is:
Return date: Friday 9 October 2026
Days: Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Time: 2.15pm
Location: Around Penguins Rock at Edinburgh Zoo
For an October school holiday visit, plan your day around the afternoon waddle and head towards Penguins Rock a little beforehand to find a viewing spot. Check the zoo’s latest visitor information before travelling for any programme changes.
A penguin tradition dating back to 1949
Edinburgh Zoo’s first Penguin Parade is thought to have happened in 1949, after a keeper accidentally left the habitat gate open.
A few curious penguins reportedly wandered down to the zoo’s front gate and back, with their keeper following along. Their impromptu outing became a daily ritual and, eventually, one of the zoo’s best-known traditions.
The Wee Waddle continues that story, with the birds choosing whether to venture out.
Planning your visit
Where: Edinburgh Zoo, Murrayfield, Edinburgh, EH12 6TS
Wee Waddle: Friday to Sunday at 2.15pm, from 9 October 2026
Visitor information: Edinburgh Zoo
Edinburgh Zoo is run by RZSS, the wildlife conservation charity also behind Highland Wildlife Park.
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