More than 1,000 people have signed a petition to free penguins held in a “windowless box” since the Express highlighted their plight.
Freedom forAnimals activists are demanding the release of the 15 Gentoo penguins from a basement enclosure at Sea Life London aquarium.
Yesterday they protested outside the tourist attraction, which insists the birds “are content”.
But Isobel McNally, campaigns officer at the charity, said: “The public reaction since we launched our campaign has been overwhelmingly supportive. It really is simple – they don’t belong in a tiny windowless box.
“Penguins deserve daylight, fresh air, and ample space to dive and swim. Everyone from expert biologists to the general public, can see how unethical this ‘attraction’ is.
“It’s time Sea Life and Merlin Entertainments saw it too.”
The campaign has gained momentum since the Express first reported on the issue last week.
Merlin Entertainments, which owns the aquarium, threatened us with legal action for saying the penguins are “captive”.
Sea Life said if the penguins were outside they would be at risk of pollution and diseases. The habitat, it said, offers a consistent and appropriate temperature and lighting. ??Bird flu has been found in king penguins on South Georgia, near Antarctica, the UK’s Animal and Plant Health Agency has reported.
– To sign the petition, visit Freedom for Animals
