Follow the journey of the Penguins

We are really excited to be joined by a colony of Gentoo Penguins at SEA LIFE London Aquarium!

Our new penguins have been raised in captivity at Edinburgh Zoo, who have a great reputation and huge breeding successes for Gentoo Penguins. They were given to SEA LIFE and transferred to our SEA LIFE centre at Weymouth before the breeding season got started, so as not to disturb the mating cycle there.

Whilst our penguins were having their holiday in Weymouth, our brand new tank was being built in London and we had time to build a lovely new quarantine area for the penguins in our back of house area where we can care for them. This time also meant that our staff from the SEA LIFE London Aquarium could be properly trained in all aspects of penguin husbandry, with help from the British Antartic Survey who have also been invaluable helping us get just the right conditions in our new enclosure.

The penguins are transported to us in a very carefully climate controlled van, with each bird in an individual box so nothing can happen to them. The refridgerated van is chilled to around 12 degrees to keep the penguins nice and cold!

We regularly monitored them to ensure they were happy and comfortable, but once they are in their containers they tend to lie down and rest during their journey. There is no need to tranquilise the penguins, so they are awake and alert during their journey. They are very used to human contact, so it's not too stressful for them to travel, but we're sure they are much happier in their new home with us.