Sea Life London Aquarium plans to close its controversial penguin enclosure by 2028 following growing concerns about animal welfare. The decision will give 14 gentoo penguins a new home in Birmingham, where they will join an existing colony.
The penguins currently live in an indoor enclosure without access to natural light or fresh air. Animal welfare groups have campaigned for years to improve their living conditions.
Merlin Entertainments, which owns both attractions, has now confirmed plans for a larger habitat at the National Sea Life Centre in Birmingham.
The company expects construction to begin in 2027, with the penguins moving in 2028.
Campaigners have welcomed the announcement as an important step towards improving the birds’ welfare.
Animal Welfare Campaign Leads to Major Changes
Several animal protection organisations have raised concerns about the London enclosure.
Freedom for Animals and the Born Free Foundation led calls for better conditions. Members of Parliament and the public also supported the campaign.
Critics argued that the indoor environment limited the penguins’ access to natural conditions.
Following discussions with campaigners, Merlin Entertainments agreed to combine its two UK gentoo penguin colonies.
The 14 birds in London will join 16 others currently living in Birmingham.
The move will create a single colony of 30 gentoo penguins.
Merlin has also committed to ending gentoo penguin breeding at its UK facilities.
Dr Mark Jones, head of policy at the Born Free Foundation, welcomed the decision.
“Common sense and compassion have prevailed,” he said.
New Penguin Habitat Will Offer More Space
The planned Birmingham enclosure will provide significantly more room for the penguins.
Merlin Entertainments has worked with a wild penguin expert to develop the habitat design.
The new environment will include natural light and seasonal variations. These features aim to reflect aspects of the birds’ natural surroundings.
According to the company, the enclosure will offer larger land and swimming areas.
The combined land and water areas should provide approximately twice the space available in the existing London habitat.
The design also includes a longer swimming pool.
An expanded deep section will offer more than three times the space currently available in the corresponding areas at the London and Birmingham facilities.
These improvements aim to give the penguins more opportunities to swim, explore and display natural behaviours.
Merlin described its plans as a “dynamic and complex environment” with seasonal variations both above and below the water.
Birmingham Centre Could Support Penguin Conservation
The relocation project may also support research into gentoo penguin conservation.
Merlin Entertainments plans to explore opportunities for the Birmingham facility to become a research centre.
The proposed research would focus on identifying ways to support wild gentoo penguin populations.
The company hopes the new habitat will contribute to animal welfare knowledge while improving conditions for its existing birds.
Specialists will continue developing the enclosure plans before construction begins.
Merlin expects to submit a formal planning application to the local authority.
If officials approve the project, building work should begin in 2027.
The company currently expects the penguins to move into their new home during 2028.
Merlin to End Gentoo Penguin Breeding
Alongside the enclosure improvements, Merlin Entertainments has promised to stop breeding gentoo penguins at its UK attractions.
The decision marks a significant change in the company’s approach to keeping the species.
Dr Mark Jones said the commitment means the current birds will represent the final generation of gentoo penguins under Merlin’s care.
He described the announcement as the result of extensive discussions with the company.
According to Jones, the campaign involved a year of talks about the birds’ future.
He welcomed the decision to prioritise their welfare and improve their living environment.
Born Free also plans to remain involved as the project develops.
The organisation hopes its continued engagement will help achieve the best possible outcome for the penguins.
What Happens Next for the London Penguins?
The 14 gentoo penguins will remain at Sea Life London Aquarium while Merlin prepares their new home.
The relocation depends on the Birmingham project receiving the necessary approvals and completing construction.
Once the new enclosure opens, the London penguins will join the existing Birmingham colony.
The expanded facility aims to provide more space, natural light and a more varied environment.
Campaigners view the announcement as a significant development after years of raising concerns.
However, the project still faces several stages before the birds can move.
For now, animal welfare organisations will continue following its progress.
The planned closure marks a major change for Sea Life London’s penguins. If the project proceeds as expected, all 30 birds will share a larger Birmingham habitat by 2028.