The world-famous toy shop has canceled preparations for a penguin pool where people could see the birds swim and be fed

Thursday 2 December 2010 16.43 GMT

hamleys regent street exterior — Hamleys on Regent Street has cancelled its penguin pool plans after being criticised by animal rights campaigners. Photograph: Oli Scarff/Getty Images

World-famous toy shop Hamleys has abandoned plans to have live penguins in its Regent Street store, after criticism from animal rights campaigners. The penguins were due to appear in the shop next week but a spokesman confirmed it had been cancelled, after concerns from some customers. Plans to have real reindeer in the store this week have also been dropped. In a statement the store said: "Whilst we were taking every measure possible to ensure the welfare of the penguins, we have listened closely to people's views and feel this is the best course of action. "We apologise to those of our customers who were looking forward to seeing the penguins. To clarify, we no longer have reindeer in store." An advert for the event on the shop's website said: "Take a trip to Hamleys after school on Monday to visit our real life Penguin Pool! You will be able to see the penguins swim, interact with their friends and be fed at tea time!" Source