Sea Life holds talks on future of its penguins

Sea Life London Aquarium says it has made "meaningful progress in identifying areas for action" following criticism over its penguin enclosure.

Merlin Entertainments, which owns the aquarium, held a meeting with independent experts and animal welfare groups following a campaign against the captivity of 15 gentoo penguins.

The company said: "The discussion was open, constructive and rightly challenging at times."

Previously, 75 MPs joined animal welfare activists calling for the release of the penguins, described as "trapped in a basement without sunlight or fresh air" at the aquarium.

Merlin Entertainments previously said its welfare team cares for the penguins daily to keep them healthy and thriving, and their enclosure is on the ground floor, not in a basement.

The company explained that the recent meeting was "to explore and discuss a range of perspectives and options, including from those who believe a different approach is needed".

Considerations ranged from further improvements to the existing penguin habitat to the possibility of rehoming them at another location.

Will Travers, executive president of the Born Free Foundation, 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."

Merlin Entertainments said that due to the complexity of the issue, further work was needed to consider possible next steps.

There will be "further dialogue" early in 2026, the company added, and during this time breeding will remain paused, as it has been since 2023.

Laura Walton, co-director at Freedom For Animals, 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 is co-run by Blackstone Group, Canada Pension Plan Investment Board and Kirkbi, the investment arm of Lego Group owners the Kristiansen family.

The theme park giant owns a wide range of attractions across the UK, including Alton Towers, Legoland Windsor, Madame Tussauds, Thorpe Park and Chessington World of Adventures.

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