The operators of a central London aquarium accused of keeping penguins “confined in a basement” have said they are willing to consider “constructive ideas” regarding the animals’ living conditions.
++ The peregrine falcon: nature’s fastest killer in the sky
Campaigners and a cross-party group of 75 MPs have called for an urgent reassessment of the welfare of the gentoo penguins housed at Sea Life London Aquarium, located only minutes from the Houses of Parliament. Activists insist that the 15 birds are being kept “without access to natural light or fresh air”, a campaign that has also gained the support of naturalist Chris Packham.
Sea Life, managed by Merlin Entertainments, introduced its first penguin enclosure in 2011, housing 10 penguins in what critics claim has amounted to “14 years underground” with a pool only 6–7ft deep. Merlin, however, disputes this characterisation, stating the enclosure is on the ground floor rather than the basement, and emphasising that the birds receive daily care from a specialist welfare team. The company has confirmed it will engage in discussions with a broad group of individuals and organisations expressing concern over the penguins’ current indoor habitat.
MPs have written to Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds, urging her to explore the possibility of relocating the birds to a more suitable sanctuary. Chris Packham, who joined a protest outside the attraction in October, described the conditions as “a stain on the reputation of London’s visitor sites”. Musician and environmental advocate Feargal Sharkey has also backed the cause. Meanwhile, a petition led by Freedom for Animals calling for the penguins’ relocation has attracted more than 41,000 signatures.
A spokesperson for Merlin said the company acknowledged public concerns but stressed that “releasing the penguins into the wild would not be safe”, as the birds have lived their entire lives under human care. They added that Merlin aims to “broaden the conversation” by engaging with campaigners, experts and political representatives in both group and one-to-one meetings.
Anyone in the UK—whether private individuals or businesses—wishing to keep certain species, including wild cats, primates, wild dogs, marsupials and select pig breeds, must obtain a licence from their local council. Owners must prove legal ownership and demonstrate the animal was not taken from the wild. Allowing a non-native species to escape can result in prosecution and fines.
Defra’s Standards of Modern Zoo Practice, updated in 2012, outline five welfare principles: adequate food and water, an appropriate environment, proper healthcare, opportunities for normal behaviour and protection from distress. Updated standards coming into force in May 2027 will phase out tethering birds of prey, expand elephant habitats and prohibit visitor contact with fish and cephalopods to reduce stress. A Defra spokesperson reiterated the government’s commitment to “the highest animal welfare standards”, confirming that updated zoo requirements aim to ensure all species—including gentoo penguins—are cared for in accordance with best practice.
The risks of inadequate welfare were highlighted by the closure of South Lakes Safari Zoo in Cumbria, previously labelled “the worst in the UK”. A BBC investigation uncovered repeated safety and welfare failings that contributed to the deaths of hundreds of animals and a keeper.
++ Power and finesse: the monkey that bites like a jaguar
In 2013, keeper Sarah McClay, 24, from Glasgow, was fatally attacked by a tiger. The zoo was subsequently fined nearly £300,000 for breaches of health and safety. A 2017 council report later revealed that 486 animals had died over a three-year span. The zoo shut permanently on 31 December 2024.
Merlin Entertainments has defended its penguin facility, stating: “Our dedicated team of conservationists, animal welfare experts and aquarists work with the penguins every day to ensure they remain healthy and thriving.”
According to the company, the Penguin Point exhibit was designed to emulate key aspects of the birds’ natural habitat, featuring climate-controlled conditions and filtered fresh air to support their wellbeing.
