Penguins at the centre of a campaign over their captivity are happier in an indoor enclosure at the Sea Life London Aquarium than they would be outside, the attraction’s owners have said.
Merlin Entertainments, who run the London aquarium said the 15 gentoo penguins’ enclosure replicated the species’ natural habitat.
This comes as around 75 MPs have joined forces with animal welfare activists who are demanding the release of penguins “trapped in a basement without sunlight or fresh air”.
According to a spokesperson for Merlin, the enclosure “includes climate-controlled temperature and filtered fresh air to ensure they [the penguins] remain healthy”.
The company has also reiterated that the enclosure is in fact on a ground floor, and not a basement.
The company’s spokesperson added: “These conditions can’t easily be replicated outdoors, creating a potential risk to their health.
“Releasing them into the wild simply isn’t a safe option for these penguins, who have always lived in human care.”
The campaign for the penguins’ freedom saw an an open letter to Emma Reynolds, the Environment Secretary, demanding an urgent review into the welfare of the penguins.
MPs have asked her to “consider whether the penguins should be relocated to a more suitable facility better aligned with their behavioural, ecological and physiological needs”.
Merlin has maintained that the penguins receive daily care from a specialist team to ensure they are healthy and happy.
The spokesperson said: “We recognise that some groups and individuals feel strongly that a different approach is needed. We hear that and we respect it.
“And that’s why we’re taking steps to broaden the conversation.
“We’re doing this through conversations with a diverse mix of people who have raised concerns, because we genuinely want to listen, learn, and understand their perspectives.
“As part of this, we will welcome constructive ideas – and carefully consider the practical implications of any suggestions.”
As part of the attempt to open the door to more feedback, Merlin is expected to invite activists, politicians, and specialists for group and 1:1 discussions.
Merlin’s spokesperson said: “Our commitment is to do what’s best for these penguins.
“This is a complex issue and any alternative has to guarantee the same high standard of health and wellbeing which they currently have.”
A petition set up by by campaign group Freedom For Animals calling for the penguins to be moved to an improved facility has received more than 37,000 signatures.
The campaign even has some high-profile backers, including musician-stroke-environmentalist Feargal Sharkey, as well as TV presenter Chris Packham, who was spotted at a protest against the aquarium in London last month.
