LOVE was in the air at Birdworld on Friday, as one man made a trip very special by popping the question to his girlfriend in front of an audience of Humboldt Penguins.

Karlie Portlock was left speechless when Olly Gill got down on one knee to ask for her hand in marriage.

The couple were feeding and meeting the penguins at the park’s 'Penguin Island' exhibit as a birthday surprise for Karlie, who was completely unaware of Olly’s plan.

Olly said: "Karlie is a big lover of animals, particularly penguins, and when I was looking for ideas to inspire the proposal, this seemed perfect.

"We have already been to Birdworld before as a couple and Karlie has fed the penguins previously, so she didn’t expect a thing. Luckily, she said yes!"