Penguins to leave London SEA LIFE aquarium for new home following welfare concerns

Gentoo penguins at London's SEA LIFE aquarium are set to be rehomed following concerns from wildlife campaigners about their welfare.

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 the “enhanced habitat” in the West Midlands would start in 2027, with the penguins set to move into their new home in 2028.

The move will see London's gentoo penguin enclosure close permanently, with the space expected to be repurposed for other conservation purposes.

Welcoming the news, campaigners said "common sense and compassion have prevailed".

The new enclosure is expected to offer land and water areas twice the size of those at the existing London site, alongside a longer swimming pool.

A deeper section of the pool will provide more than three times the space currently available in the existing habitats in London and Birmingham.

And the multi-level enclosure will also benefit from natural light and seasonal changes above and below the water, which are designed to reflect aspects of the penguins' natural environment.

Plans for the new site have been developed with input from an expert in wild penguins, with the aim of creating a leading UK facility for animal welfare and conservation research.

Specialist monitoring technology will allow staff to track the birds' health and behaviour both daily and over longer periods.

In a statement, Merlin entertainments said: “The SEA LIFE team continues to provide expert care to the colonies in both UK locations while preparations for the move progress.

“Reaching this point has only been possible thanks to the contribution of all expert stakeholders.

“Merlin is grateful for their time and commitment to help shape this step forward, and will continue to engage with them as the preparations get underway, through until the move into the new home.”