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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
National
Iuliia Vlasova

Edinburgh Zoo to host Valentine's Day events with late admissions and close animal encounters

A range of exciting St Valentine's themed events is coming to an adored attraction this February, with something for both - families and sweet couples.

Edinburgh Zoo has announced several noteworthy events in light of the approaching love and romance day, celebrated on February 14 - including one that gives a chance for a close encounter with the venue's residents.

Whether you are planning an outing for the whole family with kids or something special for just the two of you, the venue has you covered. Below is the list of their three events for the most romantic month of the year.

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Penguins love pebbles

With no advance booking needed, pop in and paint a pebble - or several - for the resident penguins to use when the time comes to prepare their nests for the breeding season.

Be quick if you want to join the artsy fun - pebbles are subject to availability.

When: February 11-15

How much: £3 per pebble

Lovebirds lunch

This event offers an entry to the zoo for a fantastic time exploring and enjoying the company of its gorgeous residents and a delightful two-course Valentine's lunch in Mansion House at 1pm as a highlight of the day.

When: February 11-12

How much: £50

Beauty and the beasties Valentine's evening at the zoo

Teasing "a cheeky adults-only talk" to kick start the experience, this event features a meeting with some of the zoo's beauties and beasties in a close animal encounter.

During the day, you will learn how different animals express their love before proceeding to Mansion House to enjoy a candlelit three-course meal in our Mansion House along with a splendid bottle of wine.

When: February 14, 6.30pm

How much: £130 for two adults

Lindsay Ross, events and experiences manager at RZSS, said, "Our new Valentine's events offer a great opportunity for visitors to celebrate love in the animal kingdom, spend quality time together with their loved ones and support our wildlife conservation charity's vital work to reverse the decline of at least 50 species by 2030.

"Penguin breeding season is always an exciting time at the zoo, and it will be even more special this year because our visitors will have the chance to be involved by decorating a pebble. Every year when keepers place the nest rings into Penguins Rock, we love to see the penguins dash off to pick out the perfect pebbles to woo their mate.

"The penguins are given a large selection of pebbles to choose from, but the gentoos will often steal the most appealing pebbles from their neighbours, which results in a fair bit of Penguins Rock drama."

You can learn more - and book - here.

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