Over 70 MPs demand Government acts over London Aquarium's penguins

More than 70 cross-party MPs have penned a letter to the Environment Secretary demanding they launch an independent welfare assessment of London Aquarium's penguin enclosure.

Labour MP David Taylor co-ordinated the mass letter to Emma Reynolds alongside Liberal Democrat MP and vet Danny Chambers following their concerns about the habitat across from Parliament.

The tourist attraction, which is on the other side of Westminster Bridge, has 15 gentoo penguins in a basement without fresh air or daylight.

Mr Taylor 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. I'm proud to have supported this campaign, led by the Express, by helping to bring together more than 70 MPs and peers to urge the Government to step in.

"I've also written directly to the boss of Merlin to pile on the pressure. Labour has always stood up for animals, and we won't stop until these penguins get the life they deserve."

Among the 75 signatories of the letter are Alastair Carmichael who chairs the Commons' Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee and Green MP Adrian Ramsay.

Born Free and Freedom for Animals have been campaigning, alongside the Express, for more than a year for the animals to be moved to a more suitable enclosure.

Mr Chambers said: "It is utterly unacceptable that 15 Gentoo penguins are being kept in a cramped, windowless room at London's Sea Life Aquarium. They are denied fresh air, natural light and the space they need to thrive. These conditions are a world away from their Antarctic home. As a vet, I understand how important it is for animals to be able to behave naturally to avoid experiencing mental distress - and it's painfully clear that these penguins are suffering. For the aquarium to claim that these conditions are acceptable shows they have no understanding of the basic needs of the animals under their care.

"The Liberal Democrats are calling on Defra to launch an urgent, independent review. If welfare standards are not being met, these remarkable birds must be moved to a home they deserve, one that meets their basic physical and mental needs."

The MPs urged the Government to evaluate the facility's compliance with both the Standards of Modern Zoo Practice and the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

It also asked for an assessment into the likelihood of compliance with the revised zoo standards taking effect in May 2027.

A spokeswoman for the aquarium has always insisted that the enclosure "provides an excellent balance of water and land for the penguins which enables them to express their normal behaviours and there is space for them to ensure they have sufficient privacy".

A Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs spokeswoman, said: "This government is committed to the highest standards of animal welfare. We recently launched an overhaul of welfare standards in zoos to strengthen protections and ensure all animals - including gentoo penguins - are cared for in line with best practice."

To sign the petition to free the penguins, visit this page.