Breeding remains ‘paused’ for London Aquarium penguins following campaign against captivity
Campaigners have called for the release of 15 gentoo penguins held in captivity
Breeding of penguins held at an indoor enclosure in central London has remained paused following “challenging” conversations over the birds’ future, their owners have said.
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Merlin Entertainments, which owns Sea Life London Aquarium, held a meeting with independent experts and animal welfare groups following a campaign against the captivity of 15 gentoo penguins at the riverside attraction a short walk from Parliament.
The discussions in December came after 75 MPs joined animal welfare activists calling for the release of the penguins “trapped in a basement without sunlight or fresh air” at the aquarium.
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.
Read more: Free the 15: Release of penguins ‘trapped in basement’ of London Aquarium demanded by MPs
In a new statement on Tuesday, the company 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 discussion was open, constructive and rightly challenging at times.”
It said “meaningful progress” was made in identifying areas for action and additional consideration, ranging from further improvements to the existing penguin habitat to the possibility of rehoming them at another location.
“Given the complexity of the issue, further work is now needed to consider possible next steps.
“While this is under way, breeding will remain paused, and the ongoing care of the 15 penguins (including two who are geriatric) will remain the priority of the teams looking after them on a day-to-day basis.”
There would be “further dialogue” early in 2026, the company added.
Will Travers, executive president of the Born Free Foundation, one of the groups that attended the meeting, 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.”
Laura Walton, co-director at Freedom For Animals, added: “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.”