Merlin Entertainments, which owns Sea Life London Aquarium, confirmed it is considering the possible next steps for its 15 gentoo penguins after what it described as talks that were “open, constructive and rightly challenging at times,” involving animal welfare groups and independent experts.
The discussions followed growing public pressure, including from 75 MPs and long-running campaigns by animal rights groups calling for the penguins’ release.
The birds are currently housed in a specialist indoor enclosure at the aquarium, at the riverside attraction a short walk from Parliament.
Merlin Entertainments, which owns and operates the aquarium, said the meeting was “convened to explore and discuss a range of perspectives and options, including from those who believe a different approach is needed.”
The company said the talks were “open, constructive and rightly challenging at times,” and resulted in “meaningful progress” being made in identifying actions and further areas for consideration.
Mr Will Travers, executive president of the Born Free Foundation, said the focus was firmly on the immediate and long-term welfare of the penguins.
Mr Travers said: “Based on two days of intensive and respectful discussions, a series of actions have been agreed focusing on the short and long-term welfare of the penguins as a priority.
“Measures to improve aspects of the physical, atmospheric, nutritional, and behavioural welfare of the animals, based on long-term studies of gentoo penguins in the wild, will now be implemented.”
Options now under review include further improving the penguins’ habitat and the possibility of rehoming them in another location.
Breeding will remain paused, as it has been since 2023, while further work is under way to consider possible next steps.
The current priorities, Merlin said, are the daily care and welfare of the 15 birds, including two geriatric penguins.
“Further dialogue” is planned for early 2026.
Ms Laura Walton, co-director at Freedom For Animals, welcomed progress on a potential alternative.
Ms Walton said: “While we agreed that full release into the wild was, regrettably, not a viable option, concerted efforts will be ongoing to see whether the establishment of a penguin sanctuary for these and other suitable birds could offer lifetime care in a more suitable and naturalistic environment, incorporating natural sunlight and fresh air.”
Merlin Entertainments has previously said its team of animal welfare specialists and aquarists cared for the penguins in their enclosure every day to make sure they were healthy and thriving, and the enclosure was on the ground floor and not the basement.
