UK lawmakers demand freedom for 15 captive Gentoo penguins in London

Trapped in a basement for over a decade, these penguins may finally see daylight. Lawmakers say their tiny, artificial home is no life at all.

, and Administrator

2025 November 11 . 7:05 PM

1 min read

In this picture there are two Gentoo penguins and there is a wooden object above it and there is... — In this picture there are two Gentoo penguins and there is a wooden object above it and there is grass in the background.

UK lawmakers demand freedom for 15 captive Gentoo penguins in London

A group of British lawmakers has urged the government to release 15 Gentoo penguins currently housed at Sea Life London Aquarium. The MPs, numbering over 70, have signed a letter expressing concerns about the penguins' living conditions, describing them as 'unacceptable' and 'completely obscene'.

The penguins have been kept in a basement at the aquarium since its penguin exhibit opened in May 2011. Campaigners argue that the enclosure does not meet the penguins' physical and social needs. The basement lacks daylight and fresh air, and the diving depth is a mere 6-7 feet, a stark contrast to the 600 feet they would have in the wild. Despite these concerns, Merlin Entertainments, the aquarium's owner, maintains that the penguins are healthy and thriving.

The campaign to release the penguins and cease breeding programs has gained momentum in recent months, with dozens of lawmakers joining the call. The government, committed to high animal welfare standards, is currently reviewing welfare standards in zoos.

The government is set to consider the relocation of the 15 Gentoo penguins from Sea Life London Aquarium, following a request from over 70 lawmakers. The campaign to improve the penguins' living conditions continues to gain support, with lawmakers describing their current situation as unacceptable.