London aquarium claims its penguins are healthier living in room with ‘no sunlight or fresh air’ than outside – amid growing campaign against their captivity

A London aquarium has claimed its penguins are healthier living in a ‘basement without sunlight or fresh air’ amid a growing campaign against the attraction. 

Sea Life London Aquarium, run by Merlin Entertainments, has been hit with a wave of criticism as 75 MPs and animal welfare activists call for the release of penguins ‘trapped in a basement without sunlight or fresh air’ at their riverside enclosure.

Several politicians have since signed an open letter to Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds calling for an urgent review into the welfare of the birds.

They asked her to consider if the birds ‘should be relocated to a more suitable facility better aligned with their behavioural, ecological and physiological needs.’ 

Sea Life London Aquarium owners have vowed to listen to ‘constructive ideas’ about the welfare of their gentoo penguins amid the growing campaign over their captivity.  

And it has said it would hold talks with a diverse mix of people relating to the welfare of the 15 penguins living at the attraction on its site.

They also said their team of animal welfare specialists and aquarists were caring for the animals every day to ensure they are healthy and thriving. They also said the enclosure was not in the basement but on the ground floor. 

A Merlin Entertainments’ welfare and education team spokesperson said the enclosure replicates the penguins’ natural habitat, meaning the penguins were healthier there than outdoors.

Conservationist and TV presenter Chris Packham takes part in a protest against the enclosure which holds the 15 gentoo penguins on October 19, 2025

They said: ‘This includes climate-controlled temperature and filtered fresh air to ensure they remain healthy.

‘These conditions can’t easily be replicated outdoors, creating a potential risk to their health.

‘Releasing them into the wild simply isn’t a safe option for these penguins, who have always lived in human care.’

The spokesperson added: ‘We recognise that some groups and individuals feel strongly that a different approach is needed. We hear that and we respect it.

‘And that’s why we’re taking steps to broaden the conversation.

‘We’re doing this through conversations with a diverse mix of people who have raised concerns, because we genuinely want to listen, learn and understand their perspectives.

‘As part of this, we will welcome constructive ideas – and carefully consider the practical implications of any suggestions.’

Campaign groups, specialists and political representatives are among those expected to be invited for facilitated one-to-one and group discussions.

Protesters gather outside Sea Life demanding that the aquarium frees the penguins amid a growing campaign over concerns for the animals’ welfare

Gentoo penguins are classified as ‘near threatened’ and The International Union for the Conservation of Nature lists them as ‘least concern’ (Pictured in 2024)

Aquarists and penguins at the Sea Life London Aquarium during the annual ‘count and clean’ at the London attraction on December 19, 2022

‘Our commitment is to do what’s best for these penguins.

‘This is a complex issue and any alternative has to guarantee the same high standard of health and wellbeing which they currently have.

‘We must continue to rely on expert advice, but we are also committed to involving a wider range of voices to help shape our future decisions.

‘This dialogue is getting underway – and we’re looking forward to connecting with people who share our passion for these incredible animals.’ 

A petition by campaign group Freedom For Animals calling for the penguins to be moved into a better facility has received more than 37,000 signatures so far.

It has also been backed by musician-turned-environmentalist Feargal Sharkey, as well as naturalist and TV presenter Chris Packham. 

Both attended a protest outside the aquarium last month and called it ‘a blight on the reputation of London’s attractions’.

Merlin Entertainments is co-run by Blackstone Group, Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) and Kirkbi, the investment arm of the Lego family.

The British theme park giant owns a wide range of attractions across the UK, including Alton Towers, Legoland Windsor, Madame Tussauds, Thorpe Park, and Chessington World of Adventures.