Did you know most penguins mate for life?
A fascinating species of bird, penguins lead a monogamous lifestyle where the female chooses her mate in an important courtship ritual.
The ritual is essential for them to familiarize themselves with one another and to learn their unique calls, ensuring they can find each other easily.
And while the decision belongs to the female penguin, a male penguin often searches an entire beach for the perfect pebble to lay at the feet of his chosen female penguin hoping to woo her.
Detroit Zoo penguins were seen on camera proudly exchanging gifts with one another in a sweet romantic gesture.
See the sweet video here:
"The penguins were gifted some 'lucky charms' to give to their mates during nesting season!" the Detroit Zoo captioned a TikTok Monday.
You can see several of them collecting the pretty pebbles that were lovingly painted with non-toxic paints in the Zoo Tots & Teens program.
Users commented on the video, with one saying, "Imagine painting a rock and then finding out a penguin uses it as an engagement rock."
While another wrote, "Not me getting engaged the same day as penguins."
Penguin pebble gifting isn't just a Detroit Zoo affair -- it's a global phenomenon!
As the zoo's TikTok reveals, these adorable birds worldwide get into the spirit during nesting season.
BBC Earth notes that during this time, penguins actively search for the finest and most attractive pebbles to present to their mates.
Much like a human engagement, the exchange of pebbles symbolizes the strengthening of the bond between two penguins preparing to start a family.
Pebbles serve a dual purpose in the penguin world: not only are they gifted as tokens of affection, but they're also essential for nest-building.
Their durability against icy conditions make them ideal for creating safe havens for eggs and baby penguins.
