A further update on our Gentoo penguins

As part of an ongoing stakeholder engagement process, representatives of Merlin Entertainments met with a diverse group of leading independent experts over two days to discuss the future of the Gentoo penguins at SEA LIFE London Aquarium. 

The meeting was convened to explore and discuss a range of perspectives and options, including from those who believe a different approach is needed. The discussion was open, constructive and rightly challenging at times. 

Through these discussions, meaningful progress was made in identifying a number of areas for action and additional consideration, ranging from further improvements to the penguin habitat at SEA LIFE London Aquarium, to the possibility of re-homing them to an alternative location. The meeting also considered the benefits of partnering with wild penguin researchers and other independent experts to further our understanding of Gentoo penguin conservation, long-term animal welfare and ethics. 

Given the complexity of the issue, further work is now needed to consider possible next steps. While this is underway, breeding will remain paused, and the ongoing care of the 15 penguins (including two who are geriatric) will remain the priority of the teams looking after them on a day-to-day basis. 

This initial meeting represents an important step forward in a wider, ongoing and inclusive process, which will continue to benefit from the group’s careful, considered and diverse input. There will be further dialogue early in 2026. 

The session was attended by representatives from Merlin Entertainments, Freedom for Animals, the Born Free Foundation, PETA and BIAZA, along with a specialist veterinarian and a Professor of Aquatic Biology specialising in penguin behaviours.