Video of Detroit Zoo Penguins 'Gifting' Their Mates with Pebbles Is the Best
Animals don't exactly fall in love like we do, but they do have their own rituals for letting it be known that they're feeling each other. Take penguins. They have very special ways of saying "I'm into you." As one absolutely adorable video online shows.
Taken at the Detroit Zoo in Detroit, Michigan, the footage shows penguins picking out the perfect pebbles to "nest" with their loved ones.
The whole thing kicked off after "tot and teen" visitors at the zoo painted some pebbles for the penguins to use in this ritual. The zoo then placed the pebbles in a pile for the penguins to peruse, the video shows. The penguins chose the prettiest pebble to "gift" to their mate. The zoo followed several penguins after they picked out their pebble and walked them back to their mates. They even swam with the pebbles in their mouth!
Related: Penguins at the Detroit Zoo Woo Prospective Mates and Everyone Is in Love
"The penguins were gifted some 'lucky charms' to give to their mates during nesting season!" the caption reads.
People in the comments section thought this ritual was just the sweetest. "I would be so honored if a penguin chose my rock if I painted one," wrote one person. "Where does one volunteer to decorate these rocks??? This is the sweetest thing ever!!!!" a second commenter exclaimed. "Imagine painting a rock and then finding out a penguin uses it as an engagement rock," a third person gushed.
Why Do Penguins Choose Pebbles?
It's such a cute practice, but why do penguins like to give each other pebbles anyway? Many people tend to think of this pebble ritual as being similar to how humans get engaged. Humans tend to give each other rings to show their intentions, while penguins do things their own way.
Males will give a female penguin a shiny pebble or rock to make it clear that they wish to build a mate and nest with them. It's not totally clear why penguins chose rocks to give their intended (instead of say...diamond engagement rings). But it's believed that the small rocks are intended to cover the ground on which they build their nests. The stones are supposed to keep penguin eggs above the water surface once colonies are filled with water from melting snow.
Now we can't guarantee that this means happily ever after for the penguins, but these pretty pebbles are such a sweet way that these little guys say I love you.
Looking for more PetHelpful updates? Follow us on YouTube for more entertaining videos. Or, share your own adorable pet by submitting a video, and sign up for our newsletter for the latest pet updates and tips.
