A political storm has erupted over the fate of fifteen gentoo penguins residing in the Sea Life London Aquarium, with a coalition of 75 Members of Parliament branding their captivity as profoundly 'un-British'.
The politicians have joined forces with animal rights campaigners, arguing the birds are effectively 'trapped in a basement without sunlight or fresh air' just a stone's throw from the Houses of Parliament. They are urging the Environment Secretary to intervene.
Political Pressure and Public Outcry
The campaign, coordinated by David Taylor, the Labour MP for Hemel Hempstead, has seen a letter sent to the government demanding action. Taylor stated the campaign 'won't stop until these penguins get the life they deserve', adding that no animal should have its rights 'traded for hard cash'.
Public pressure is also mounting. A petition started by the Freedom for Animals campaign group has garnered more than 37,000 signatures. The charity Born Free has further highlighted the plight of the birds, claiming that at least two of the penguins have never seen the sky.
The penguin exhibit first opened in May 2011, meaning the birds have lived in the enclosure for 14 years. Campaigners criticise the facility for its small space and a pool that is only 2.1 metres (7 feet) deep.
Merlin Entertainments' Defence
In response to the growing criticism, Merlin Entertainments, the parent company of the aquarium and owner of attractions like Alton Towers, has issued a robust defence of its practices.
A spokesperson clarified that the enclosure is on the ground floor, not in a basement, and was specifically designed to replicate the penguins' natural habitat. They emphasised the use of a climate-controlled environment and filtered fresh air, features they argue cannot be easily replicated outdoors.
'We know that many people care deeply about the gentoo penguins at Sea Life London Aquarium - we do too,' the statement read. The company underscored its team of conservationists and animal welfare specialists, stating that the penguins are 'healthy and thriving'.
Regarding calls for release, Merlin stated that releasing them into the wild 'isn't a safe option' for penguins that have always lived in human care.
Celebrity Campaigners and Government Stance
The controversy has drawn in high-profile figures. Environmentalist Feargal Sharkey recently challenged Merlin's chief executive to 'swap places with the penguins' for a month, calling the situation 'idiotic'.
Meanwhile, naturalist Chris Packham, who attended a protest outside the aquarium last month, described the exhibit as a 'blight on the reputation of London's attractions'.
When approached for comment, a spokesperson for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) did not address the specific case but reiterated the government's commitment to high animal welfare standards, referencing a recent overhaul of zoo welfare standards.
As the debate continues, the future of the fifteen gentoo penguins remains the subject of intense public and political scrutiny.
