A ZOO has welcomed a trio of penguins - but they are not what you'd expect.

Life-size Yoshi, Pudding and Custard have been crafted from the finest chocolate.

Master chocolatiers, Baravelli’s, whose headquarters are based in Conwy, have crafted the edible works of art that are now on display at the Welsh Mountain Zoo.

The business and zoo joined forces this season to increase awareness of the animal adoptions programme, using the adorable penguin as its superstar.

The chocolate trio recently featured on Channel Five's, ‘Cadbury at Christmas’, and following their glamourous TV stint, have come to relax at their new home at the zoo.

Jen Jesse, Director of Operations and Administration at the zoo, said: “We are always looking at new and innovative ways in which to raise awareness of our animals and encourage as much support as possible. What better way at this time of year to help drive that messaging through with not one, but three, two foot (24 to 28 inches) chocolate penguins.”

The chocolate sensations will be on display at the Colwyn Bay attraction throughout December when visitors can enjoy half price entry.

The trio include Yoshi, weighing in at 4.7kg, Pudding, a weighty 6.3kg and Custard, a lighter 1.5kg.

The three took some five days to make using freehand techniques.

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The family of penguins were carefully transported from Conwy town to the zoo, and chocolatiers Emma and Mark carefully installed them in their new home.

Mark said: “We were delighted to be asked to complete this commission for such a wonderful cause. We have always admired the conservation work done by the zoo and hope that our sculpture can help raise awareness of the adoption scheme.

"We had so much fun watching the penguins during the planning phase that we have now adopted our own penguin.”