New update on 14 penguins trapped in London Aquarium basement 'with no sunlight or air'
Last year, 75 politicians joined the campaign calling for penguins in Sea Life London Aquarium to be released.
Campaigners argued the gentoo penguins were ‘tapped in a basement without sunlight or fresh air as they ‘endured 14 years’ in a small space with only a 2.1metre deep pool.
But in a win for these long calls to provide better conditions, the owner has issued an update. Merlin Entertainments has promised to phase out gentoo penguins at all of its UK facilities.
The 14 animals kept in the indoor basement enclosure in central London will be merged with the 17 housed at their Birmingham facility into a single colony. They will be given a new habitat that has natural light and more water space. A spokesperson for the firm added that they ‘deeply care about these penguins’.
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This update from Merlin comes after months of collaboration with Freedom for Animals, the Born Free Foundation and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta), a wild penguin researcher, a veterinarian, and the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (Biaza).
The campaigns for the gentoo penguins went viral in 2025 as MPs described their captivity as ‘un-British’.
“No animal should live like that, with their rights appearing to be traded for hard cash,” David Taylor said at the time.
Some campaigners had urged the firm to move the penguins outdoors.
And Merlin has now said it will confirm a full proposal for the improved enclosure by September with it likely to be based at the London Aquarium.
Freedom for Animals and Born Free will be consulted on its design before a final decision is made, the company added.
Laura Walton, co-director of Freedom for Animals, said it would prefer the penguins are moved to a ‘more extensive environment – ideally a bespoke penguin sanctuary – where they can experience the outdoors and live a life that more closely reflects their natural behaviours and instincts’.
“While improved conditions can never resolve the fundamental ethical issue of captivity, we recognise that the proposed measures would make a material difference to the lives of these penguins,” she said and added that the commitment to permanently ending gentoo breeding is a ‘significant step forward’.
The update from Merlin Entertainments
A spokesperson for the firm said it ‘intends to merge its two UK gentoo colonies into a single, enhanced home, with significantly enlarged water space, and natural light; and permanently end gentoo breeding at both London and Birmingham sites’.
“While there are a small number of potentially suitable outside locations in the UK, any move beyond Merlin sites removes our ability to honour the commitment we have made to stop breeding permanently,” Merlin Entertainments said.
“Knowing the significant complexities and resources required to sustain a sanctuary offering excellent welfare across the lifespan of the animals, we do not believe this is a realistic option for these penguins.
“With both of these factors in mind, the group focused on developing a clear, science-led path to continue to enhance the habitat for the gentoos in Merlin’s care, while contributing to further conservation research and visitor education for this species.
“We care deeply about these penguins and have always been focused on providing them with the best possible life, now and in the future.
“This decision was reached following a robust consultative process, with significant input from experts.
“We are grateful for the energy, expertise and time everyone has invested.”
Jess Battison