A cross-party group of 75 MPs has written to the Environment Secretary demanding an independent review into the welfare of 15 Gentoo penguins kept at the SEA LIFE London Aquarium. The MPs, led by Labour MP David Taylor, argue that the birds are housed in a windowless basement with no natural light or fresh air, and a pool only six to seven feet deep—far shallower than their natural habitat.
The letter, addressed to Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Secretary Emma Reynolds, calls on the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to assess whether the enclosure meets the Standards of Modern Zoo Practice and the Animal Welfare Act 2006. It also asks officials to consider relocating the penguins to a more suitable facility.
David Taylor, MP for Hemel Hempstead, said: 'It’s un-British to keep penguins trapped in a basement with no daylight or fresh air. No animal should live like that, with their rights appearing to be traded for hard cash.' The campaign has attracted support from conservationists Chris Packham and Megan McCubbin, as well as musician-turned-environmentalist Feargal Sharkey.
The penguins were introduced to the aquarium in May 2011, having been moved from Edinburgh Zoo. The MPs stress that their request is 'not adversarial but constructive', recognising the Government's strong record on animal welfare. They have asked for a response outlining the department's intended course of action and timeline for review.
