Skip to main content

Written question asked by David Taylor (Labour) on Monday, 20 October 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 23 October 2025 (named day). It was answered by Angela Eagle (Labour) on Tuesday, 4 November 2025 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.


Penguins: Tourist Attractions

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the (a) safety and (b) wellbeing of penguins housed in (i) zoos and (ii) aquariums.

Answer

The Government published new Standards of Modern Zoo Practice for Great Britain on 24 May 2025, which will come into force from May 2027. The new Standards contain the very latest in best practice for caring for animals in zoos and aquariums, including penguins, and will replace the 2012 Secretary of State’s Standards of Modern Zoo Practice.

Local authorities are responsible for licensing zoos and aquariums, enforcing conditions and carrying out inspections to ensure animals are being kept in line with the Standards.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
83685
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Animal welfare Zoos Aquariums Penguins
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk