MPs demand debate on plight of 15 penguins in 'windowless basement'

MPs are demanding a House of Commons debate to voice "grave" fears about the well-being of 15 penguins at a leading aquarium.

- Steph Spyro

Six Liberal Democrats have signed an Early Day Motion over the gentoo birds at Sea Life London.

It says "this House expresses grave concern" for the penguins, which MPs say are being kept in a cramped and "windowless basement".

It adds the gentoos, native to the Antarctic Circle, are "confined to a pitifully small enclosure".

Freedom for Animals, which has launched a petition to free the penguins, says the enclosure allows them to dive only to 7ft, compared with 600ft in the wild.

Balance

MPs and campaigners, including TV naturalist Chris Packham, pop star turned environmentalist Feargal Sharkey and actor Peter Egan, want the South Bank aquarium to halt all penguin breeding programmes and exhibiting the birds and move them to a more natural home.

Sea Life London insists its gentoo habitat gives an "excellent balance" for the birds to thrive.