Penguins to move from London to Birmingham in 2028

A controversial indoor penguin enclosure at Sea Life London Aquarium is to close within two years following concerns about the birds' welfare.

The group of 14 gentoo penguins, which currently has no access to natural light or fresh air, is to join 16 others at the National Sea Life Centre in Birmingham.

It comes after a high-profile campaign by Freedom for Animals, the Born Free Foundation, MPs and members of the public.

Merlin Entertainments, owner of the attractions, said work on an "enhanced" enclosure at the West Midlands venue would start in 2027, with the penguins expected to move into their new home in 2028.

Campaigners welcomed the news, saying "common sense and compassion have prevailed".

Following talks with campaigners, Merlin Entertainments previously announced it would merge the penguins at the central London site with those housed at their Birmingham facility into a single colony with a new habitat.

It had also committed to end the breeding of gentoo penguins at its UK facilities.

Now it has announced more details on moving the birds into a new habitat - designed in collaboration with an expert in wild penguins - which will be much bigger and benefit from natural light and seasonal variations.

In a statement, the company said the enclosure would provide a "dynamic and complex environment with seasonal variations both above and below the water for the animals, reflecting aspects of natural weather conditions".

"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," it said.

"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 company also said the facility would take steps to become a research centre to identify ways to support gentoo conservation in the wild.

It will shortly submit formal plans to the local authority and, subject to approval, work will start in 2027.

Dr Mark Jones, head of policy at The Born Free Foundation, said the announcement had come after "quite a journey" and a year of discussions with the venue's owner.

"Because of Merlin's commitment to end breeding, this will be the last generation of gentoo penguins in Merlin's care," he said.

"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."

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