Merlin Entertainments, the operator of Sea Life London Aquarium, has announced plans to discontinue keeping gentoo penguins across all its UK locations, following a sustained campaign by animal welfare advocates. The 14 penguins currently housed in an indoor basement facility in London will be merged with the 17 at the company's Birmingham site to form a single colony with an improved habitat featuring natural daylight and expanded water areas.
The decision comes after pressure from Freedom for Animals, the Born Free Foundation, the Daily Express, MPs, and members of the public, who criticised the penguins' current conditions, which lack exposure to fresh air or natural light. Merlin has committed to permanently ending gentoo breeding at both sites, with a full proposal for the enhanced enclosure to be finalised by September.
While some campaigners had called for the penguins to be relocated to an outdoor facility or sanctuary, Merlin stated that no such suitable location currently exists in the UK. The company emphasised that moving the penguins beyond its sites would prevent it from honouring its commitment to stop breeding permanently. It added that sustaining a sanctuary offering excellent welfare across the animals' lifespan is not a realistic option.
The announcement followed months of collaboration with animal welfare groups, a wild penguin researcher, a veterinarian, and the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums. A Merlin spokeswoman said the firm intends to create a single, enhanced home with significantly enlarged water space and natural light, and permanently end gentoo breeding at both London and Birmingham.
