Edinburgh Zoo has released the first heart-warming images of this year’s newly-hatched gentoo penguin chicks.
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland's Edinburgh Zoo is home to over 100 penguins from three species, king, Northern rockhopper and gentoo.
Staff at the wildlife conservation charity were delighted that nine adorable chicks have emerged so far and hope more will follow in the coming weeks.
Two chicks hatched on 1 May and were born to penguin parents Muffin and Mittens.
The zoo say that the first month is critical for the chick's survival and keepers will be keeping a close eye on the new arrivals.
Gentoo chicks weigh around 98g when they hatch which is the equivalent to half an avocado.
Love pets? So do we! Join our friendly Facebook group Edinburgh Loves Pets to chat with other pet lovers in the city.
If you want to get an instant cuteness fix and see what the youngsters are up to you can watch the charity’s live penguin camera here.
Visitors hoping to see the gentoo penguin chicks in person can pre-book zoo tickets before their visit at tickets.edinburghzoo.org.uk.
