Edinburgh Zoo's live penguin camera has proved to be a surprise internet sensation, with people from around the world logging on to see the birds play in the snow.

By Monday afternoon Edinburgh Zoo was one of the most discussed subjects on the Twitter social network website, with users passing on the link to go to the site.

Comments made by users of the Twitter site include: "Now that's a bunch of happy penguins!" and "Should probably be doing something more productive than watching the Edinburgh zoo live penguin web cam" and  "It's snowing and they think Christmas has come early."

International users have been passing on the link with comments in Dutch and other languages.

A spokesperson for the zoo said: "This a lovely think to see and it has struck the heartchords of thousands."

On Monday the zoo had to close on account of the weather, and visitors are being advised to check to see if it is open on Tuesday.

The Edinburgh Zoo penguin webcam can be seen here >