London Aquarium to Phase Out Gentoo Penguins

The London Aquarium said it will phase out gentoo penguins from its UK facilities [1, 2, 3].

The decision follows a sustained campaign by animal-rights advocates who argued the penguins' living conditions were inadequate. The move highlights the increasing tension between urban wildlife attractions and modern animal welfare standards.

Campaigners targeted the London Sea Life Aquarium specifically because the gentoo penguins are kept in a basement enclosure [1, 2, 3]. According to the advocates, the birds lack access to natural light, which they said is essential for the well-being of the species [1, 2, 3].

This push for removal gained significant political momentum. A total of 75 MPs supported the campaign to free the penguins ^[4]. The pressure from both the public and government officials eventually led the owner, Merlin Entertainments, to announce the phase-out [1, 2].

There have been conflicting reports regarding the long-term strategy for the birds. While some reports state the aquarium will remove the penguins from its UK sites [1, 2, 3], other accounts suggest the facility may build a larger enclosure to provide the birds with access to daylight ^[2].

Merlin Entertainments has not provided a specific timeline for when the phase-out will be completed. The company continues to manage the London Sea Life Aquarium as one of its primary UK attractions [1, 2].