For many, the aquarium is a magical place, a bustling environment of tropical and wonderful sea creatures we are only used to seeing on our TV screens.
For one afternoon, we can all become David Attenborough, plunged into the depths of an ocean to see the wonder of nature.
Yet sadly, my recent trip to an aquarium was far from magical.
In the heart of London, I witnessed grown penguins confined to dark and cramped conditions underground.
Little freedom to roam and no glimpse of sunlight. I thought to myself, is this really befitting of a country of animal lovers?
This is what I encountered at Sea Life, London’s Aquarium. Gentoo penguins, glum looking, behind a misty screen in a cramped basement-style room.
I applaud the likes of Chris Packham and Feargal Sharkey who have campaigned to get these penguins freed. Now, as a Member of Parliament, I join that cause. It is time to free the penguins.
And no, this just isn’t another Member of Parliament joining a bandwagon. For me, this is deeply personal.
I entered Parliament this year after 16 years as a practising vet. Animals are my passion, whether it’s treating the family dog, or saving cattle from infectious diseases.
I was fortunate to grow up on a farm, surrounded by healthy and happy animals. There is no greater sight and wildlife roaming freely in their natural habitat.
Animals don’t only need their physical needs to be met, but they need the freedom to express their natural behaviours for their psychological well-being, and clearly a cramped basements with a shallow pool and no natural light fails to provide the penguins with the enrichment they require.
I could not walk away from Sealife without a deep sense of wrongdoing. As a vet, I could not endorse this way of living for the gentoo penguins.
Sea Life, it is time to do the right thing and begin the March of the Penguins. Let’s free the gentoo penguins.