EDM 143: Penguins at Sea Life London Aquarium

That this House expresses grave concern regarding the welfare of 15 Gentoo penguins currently being kept in a windowless basement at the London Sea Life Aquarium; notes that these penguins, native to the Antarctic Circle, are confined to a pitifully small enclosure with only six to seven feet of water depth in which to dive, a stark contrast to the 600 feet they are capable of diving in the wild; understands that the constant public observation and noise may cause significant stress and adverse health effects to these intelligent and sensitive creatures; recognises that Gentoo penguins are currently listed as of Least Concern by the IUCN Red List, making Sea Life’s claims of conservation through breeding programmes both misleading and exploitative; and demands that the multi-billion pound business which owns Sea Life, Merlin Entertainments, immediately cease the exhibition of penguins and use its considerable resources to guarantee a safe and healthy relocation for these penguins.