Edinburgh Zoo has denied it employs a penguin erector

Many people were disappointed that the popular rumour isn’t true.

Edinburgh Zoo has dispelled rumours that it has a “penguin erector”.

PA photo

The rumour that someone was employed by the Scottish zoo to pick up birds that fall over while looking at planes took hold thanks to a tweet that went viral over the weekend.

PA photo

But while the tweet captured the imagination of fellow Twitter users, the zoo shattered everyone’s illusions by confirming the myth isn’t in fact true.

It also said that penguins don’t fall over while looking up at planes flying overhead.

And even if one of the birds takes a tumble it is able to pick itself up on its own.

People had been quick to apply for the position and many were disappointed to learn it doesn’t exist.

Don’t believe everything you hear from boys in pubs.

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Animals at Rio de Janeiro’s BioParque zoo received popsicles and frozen treats Tuesday as the city faced another day of extreme heat during Brazil’s summer.

Jaguars, monkeys and other animals were given an iced diet prepared according to each species’ needs, zoo officials said. Some received frozen fruit, while others were offered mixtures containing frozen blood.

A group of monkeys were handed watermelon popsicles by zoo keepers. A jaguar tried to fish out ground chicken popsicles from a tray that floated in its water tank.

“When she tries to fish out the frozen food, she ends up ingesting water as well,” said Letizia Feitoza, a biologist at the zoo. “This is important for her hydration.”

Zoo officials said the frozen foods are part of routine animal care and help provide thermal comfort during periods of extreme heat. Similar initiatives were carried out last summer as high temperatures affected much of Brazil’s southeast.

Temperatures in Rio de Janeiro rose over 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) on Sunday and Monday, prompting city authorities to issue a Level 3 heat alert and warn of health risks linked to prolonged exposure.

The high temperatures haven’t stopped residents from visiting the Bioparque Zoo, where they watched the animals licking on their red popsicles.

“I thought it was really cool,” said Lorena Carvalho, a teacher visiting the zoo. “I think it brings them more comfort.”

A zookeeper hands a popsicle to a chamek spider monkey during the summer heat at the BioParque do Rio in Rio de Janeiro, Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado)

A white-cheeked spider monkey licks a popsicle in the summer heat at the BioParque do Rio in Rio de Janeiro, Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado)