At a glance
The letter in full:
Dear Secretary of State,
Re: Urgent review of the welfare of Gentoo penguins at SEA LIFE London Aquarium
We, the undersigned Members of Parliament, are writing to express our deep concern regarding the welfare of fifteen Gentoo penguins currently kept at the SEA LIFE London Aquarium, a short walk from Parliament. In light of the growing public concern, we respectfully request that DEFRA conduct an independent review into whether the current conditions meet the highest standards of animal welfare and, if necessary, intervene to secure a more appropriate environment for these animals.
Recent reports have highlighted that the penguins are housed in a windowless basement enclosure, with no access to natural light or fresh air, and that the pool depth is around six to seven feet, which is far shallower than the environments Gentoo penguins experience in the wild. Concerns have been raised by respected conservationists, including Chris Packham and Megan McCubbin, who argue that such an environment cannot adequately support the species’ natural behaviours.
As Members of Parliament from across the political spectrum, we share a collective commitment to animal welfare. All political parties in this great nation value the protection of animals as a reflection of our shared compassion and sense of moral duty. The United Kingdom has a proud record in this area, from the Hunting Act 2004, which banned the hunting of wild mammals with dogs, to the ongoing work to strengthen welfare protections for both domestic and wild animals. The 2024 General Election manifesto commitments to phase out animal testing, ban the use of snares, end the import of hunting trophies, and strengthen protections for wildlife reflect the continued importance placed on these issues across Parliament.
In that spirit, we respectfully ask that DEFRA:
Commission an independent welfare assessment of the Gentoo penguin enclosure at SEA LIFE London, involving external veterinary and zoological specialists.
Evaluate the facility’s compliance with both the Standards of Modern Zoo Practice and the Animal Welfare Act 2006, as well the likelihood of compliance with the revised zoo Standards entering into force in May 2027, with particular focus on light, air quality, pool depth, and enrichment.
Consider whether the penguins should be relocated to a more suitable facility better aligned with their behavioural, ecological and physiological needs.
Publish the findings of this review to ensure transparency and maintain public confidence in welfare standards.
We wish to make clear that this is not an adversarial request but a constructive one, recognising the Government’s strong record on animal welfare and DEFRA’s expertise in safeguarding species under human care. This is an opportunity to demonstrate that the United Kingdom continues to lead the world in setting and upholding exemplary welfare standards.
We would be grateful for your response outlining the Department’s intended course of action and the anticipated timeframe for review.
Yours sincerely,
Full list of 75 MPs
A group of 75 MPs has joined animal welfare activists in calling for the release of 15 penguins “trapped in a basement without sunlight or fresh air” at the Sea Life London Aquarium.
