More than 70 British lawmakers are urging the government to review the living conditions of 15 Gentoo penguins housed at the Sea Life London Aquarium. Campaigners say the birds are confined to a small, windowless enclosure “that does not meet their physical and social needs and does not allow them to enjoy their natural behaviors,” as reported by CNN this November 12. A petition supporting their relocation has gathered over 37,000 signatures.
Sea Life London, operated by Merlin Entertainments, maintains that the penguins are healthy and well cared for in a ground-floor enclosure designed in conjunction with veterinarians. The company argues that releasing the birds into the wild is not viable due to their lifelong captivity. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs stated it is reviewing zoo welfare standards to ensure best practices are upheld.
Indeed, people love to see wild animals up close, and spending a day at the zoo is a popular activity for all ages. But there are many behind-the-scenes goings-on that occur at zoos around the world. Click on and learn some facts about animals in captivity and about zoo operations in the following slides.