Update: Gentoo penguins at SEA LIFE London Aquarium
Born Free and other campaign groups respond to the outcomes of a meeting concerning the future of the Gentoo 15.
Penguins at SEA LIFE London Aquarium (c) Born Free / Rose Summers
Freedom for Animals, the Born Free Foundation, and PETA acknowledge the outcomes of a multi-stakeholder meeting, as reported in a statement from Merlin Entertainments’ Conservation, Welfare & Education team, published on SEA LIFE London Aquarium’s website on 6th January 2026 concerning the future of the 15 Gentoo penguins currently held at SEA LIFE London Aquarium on London’s South Bank.
Commenting on the actions and considerations arising from the meeting, Will Travers OBE, Executive President of the Born Free Foundation, stated: “Based on two days of intensive and respectful discussions, a series of actions have been agreed focussing 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.”
Dr Carys Bennett, Senior Corporate Projects Manager, PETA, confirmed that “there will be a suspension in any attempts to breed the Gentoo penguins while all future, long-term options are fully explored, including lifetime care in a sanctuary.” Dr Bennett went on to explain that the campaigning organisations were advocating for the suspension in breeding to be made permanent, leading, in due course, to the site no longer confining penguins for public display.
Laura Walton, Co-Director 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.”
Without doubt, widespread public concern about the current situation for the 15 Gentoo penguins at SEA LIFE London Aquarium has raised the profile of not only these specific animals, but the exploitation of wild animals used for entertainment in general. FFA, BFF, and PETA want to thank all those who have and continue to support the campaign, and Merlin Entertainments for listening, being open to change, and committing to further engagement in early 2026.