We must review the conditions of the Gentoo Penguins
3 min read
When I first saw footage of the Gentoo penguins at Sea Life London Aquarium, I felt real sadness.
Behind the glass, these remarkable birds appear to shuffle restlessly under artificial light while visitors seem to tap on the glass throughout the day. The enclosure looks dingy, with no apparent access to daylight or fresh air. I’ve also been informed that visitors are often noisy, which could be overly stimulating and stressful for these highly intelligent penguins.
Gentoo penguins are extraordinary animals. In the wild, they can dive up to 200m, reach speeds of 30mph, and travel great distances each day in search of food. Seeing them in a confined space, apparently unable to express those natural instincts, raises serious questions about their welfare. It gives the impression that welfare standards may be compromised in pursuit of commercial gain, and that cannot be right.
I’ve loved animals since I was a child. I supported the RSPCA growing up. During the 2024 election, I committed to champion animal welfare, and don’t intend to break that promise. Like many people, I enjoyed visiting zoos and aquariums as a kid, and I still believe that, when run appropriately, they can educate the public and support conservation. But when something appears to fall short, we have a duty to ask questions.
Concerns have been raised by respected conservationists, including Chris Packham and Megan McCubbin, who argue that these penguins’ environment may not allow them to express natural behaviours.
Reports suggest their pool is only 6-7ft deep, far shallower than the depths they experience in the wild. I am not accusing anyone of deliberate cruelty, but the conditions reported do not sit comfortably with the high standards the British public expect.
That’s why I spearheaded a cross-party letter to the Environment Secretary, signed by more than 70 MPs and peers, urging Defra to commission an independent welfare review of the enclosure. We want experts to assess whether the conditions meet the standards of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and the Standards of Modern Zoo Practice, and to consider relocation if that would improve wellbeing.
I’ve also written directly to Fiona Eastwood, chief executive of Merlin Entertainments, which owns the aquarium, urging Merlin to commission its own independent assessment and publish the findings. Businesses that exhibit animals must ensure those animals live in conditions that are not only legal but humane and enriching.
Merlin may say the penguins are well cared for, and that may be true. If so, an independent review will confirm it. So surely it is in their interest? But if it reveals that improvements are needed, then Merlin must act quickly.
I first became aware of this issue through the powerful reporting of Daily Express journalist Steph Spyro, whose work brought national attention to the penguins’ welfare. I want to thank them for leading this campaign and giving it the urgency it deserves.
This story has struck a chord because it speaks to who we are as a nation.
Britain has always prided itself on compassion for animals. From the fox hunting ban under Labour to efforts to phase out cruel practices like fur farming, we have led by example.
Animal welfare is not about politics. It is about decency and doing what is right. When creatures as intelligent and social as penguins appear to live without daylight or fresh air, something feels wrong. The British public care deeply about animal welfare – and so do I. Treating animals badly is un-British, and together we can make sure these penguins get the life they deserve.
