An update on our Gentoo Penguins
- Friday 29th May 2026
Merlin announces material enhancement to gentoo penguin habitat - and a permanent end to gentoo breeding - at SEA LIFE aquariums in the UK
Following months of collaborative work with Freedom for Animals, the Born Free Foundation and PETA, a wild penguin researcher, a veterinarian, and BIAZA, Merlin intends to merge its two UK gentoo colonies into a single, enhanced home, with significantly enlarged water space, and natural light; and permanently end gentoo breeding at both London and Birmingham sites. The new home will be designed with input from the wild penguin researcher to become a conservation research centre of excellence.
Merlin will confirm a full proposal for the build by September 2026, with stakeholder input before a final decision. The two colonies will come together into one non-breeding colony for the lifetime of the penguins.
We recognise that some stakeholders within the group wish to keep open the future options of moving the gentoo penguins to an outdoor facility, or a newly created sanctuary (noting that none exist in the UK today). While there are a small number of potentially suitable outside locations in the UK, any move beyond Merlin sites removes our ability to honour the commitment we have made to stop breeding permanently. Knowing the significant complexities and resources required to sustain a sanctuary offering excellent welfare across the lifespan of the animals, we do not believe this is a realistic option for these penguins.
With both of these factors in mind, the group focused on developing a clear, science-led path to continue to enhance the habitat for the gentoos in Merlin’s care, while contributing to further conservation research and visitor education for this species.
We care deeply about these penguins and have always been focused on providing them with the best possible life, now and in the future. This decision was reached following a robust consultative process, with significant input from experts. We are grateful for the energy, expertise and time everyone has invested.
