pressure Mounts to Release Penguins Held at London Aquarium
London, UK – Animal welfare advocates are increasing pressure on the London Sea Life Aquarium to release 15 gentoo penguins who have been housed in an indoor facility since May 2011, with one penguin, Polly, having resided there for over 14 years. The concerns center around the penguins’ lack of access to daylight and fresh air, prompting calls for a reevaluation of their living conditions.
The situation has gained renewed attention following a social media post by television presenter Chris Packham, highlighting the prolonged confinement of the birds. While the aquarium maintains the penguins are healthy and thriving under the care of specialists, critics argue that a life entirely in human care, especially in a restricted environment, is detrimental to their well-being. The debate underscores a broader discussion about the welfare of animals in captivity and the ethical considerations surrounding long-term enclosure.
According to Packham’s post,the penguins are currently housed underground in a facility that has continuously held penguins since 2011. A spokesperson for Merlin Entertainments Conservation,Welfare and Education team,which operates the aquarium,stated that a team of specialists are ensuring the penguins’ health. They also clarified that the facility is located on the ground floor, not in a basement, and was designed in consultation with veterinarians and penguin specialists.
The aquarium maintains that releasing the penguins into the wild is not a viable option, as they have “always lived in human care.” “It’s a complex issue. There’s a lot to consider, and we take every decision seriously, always guided by what’s best for the animals,” the spokesperson added.
The Department for Environment,Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has stated it’s commitment to high animal welfare standards and recently launched reforms to strengthen zoo welfare standards,ensuring animals,including gentoo penguins,are cared for in accordance with best practice. The situation at the London Sea Life aquarium is likely to be closely watched as these new standards are implemented.
