Penguin enclosure in London to shut down in 2028

London’s gentoo penguin exhibit, which has drawn sustained criticism for keeping the birds indoors without fresh air or daylight, will shut within two years, Merlin Entertainments has confirmed. The company, which owns Sea Life London Aquarium, plans to begin construction in 2027 on an upgraded habitat at the National Sea Life Centre in Birmingham. That facility will bring together the gentoo colonies from both sites, with the birds due to relocate in 2028 and the London habitat closing, Merlin said in a statement. The decision follows a prominent campaign involving Freedom for Animals, the Born Free Foundation, the Daily Express, MPs and members of the public who pressed the company to improve conditions for the penguins.

Campaigners welcome relocation

The Born Free Foundation greeted the move to a larger, environmentally enriched enclosure, stating that “common sense and compassion have prevailed”. Discussions among the owners, campaigners and experts started in December last year. They began after 75 MPs backed animal welfare activists in calling for the release of penguins described as “trapped in a basement without sunlight or fresh air” at the riverside aquarium, located a short walk from Parliament. Earlier this year, Merlin Entertainments said it would combine the 14 penguins in London with the 17 at its Birmingham site into one colony, housed in a new habitat featuring natural light and more water space. The company also pledged to stop breeding gentoo penguins at its UK facilities.

Details of the new habitat

Merlin has now released further information about the relocation. The new habitat, developed with input from an expert in wild penguins, will be substantially larger and will benefit from natural light and seasonal variations. The company said the enclosure “will provide a dynamic and complex environment with seasonal variations both above and below the water for the animals, reflecting aspects of natural weather conditions”. It added: “There will be land and water areas which are anticipated to be double the size of those in the existing London habitat, along with a longer pool. “In addition, an expanded ‘deep end’ of the pool will be created, offering over three times the space currently provided in both London and Birmingham.” The facility will also take steps to become a research centre aimed at identifying ways to support gentoo conservation in the wild. Formal plans will be submitted to the local authority shortly, and subject to approval, construction will begin in 2027. The penguins are due to enter their new home during 2028, with precise timing guided by the birds’ needs. The London space will be repurposed to support Sea Life’s conservation priorities, according to the company.

‘A journey’ toward better welfare

Dr Mark Jones, head of policy at The Born Free Foundation, said: “It has been quite a journey. “From the much-criticised basement environment in London to a significantly expanded and environmentally enriched enclosure in Birmingham – but nearly a year of careful and thoughtful discussion has paid off. “Because of Merlin’s commitment to end breeding, this will be the last generation of gentoo penguins in Merlin’s care. “Common sense and compassion have prevailed, the welfare of the penguins has been prioritised, and Born Free looks forward to continuing to engage with this project to help deliver the best possible outcome for the birds.” Will Travers, executive president of Born Free, said halting further breeding or imports of the penguins – which are not threatened with extinction in the wild – means no more individuals will be born into captivity, and the current birds will be the last gentoos at Merlin’s facilities. Laura Walton, co-director of Freedom for Animals, welcomed the enclosure’s closure. She said: “Throughout our joint campaign, we called for the penguins to be moved to a sanctuary or facility with outdoor access, but sadly no feasible option was identified. “While the planned improvements at Sea Life Birmingham are positive, these penguins deserve far more than a lifetime behind barriers. “Crucially, Merlin’s landmark commitment to end breeding means no further generations of gentoo penguins will be born into captivity at its facilities.”