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An update on our Gentoo penguins

  • Monday 17th November 2025

Gentoo Penguins at SEA LIFE London standing in their habitat

We know that many people care deeply about the Gentoo penguins at SEA LIFE London Aquarium. We do too.

Our incredible team of animal welfare specialists and aquarists care for these penguins every day, making sure they’re healthy and thriving. Working closely with some of the world’s leading penguin experts, including specialist vets and behavioural scientists, we’ve created a habitat that both meets the high standards set by the UK Government’s Standards of Modern Zoo Practice and is also designed to reflect the key elements of their natural environment. 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.

However, 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.

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.

In the meantime, we’ll continue to support our dedicated team who look after the penguins every day. Their work is invaluable, and we’re proud of the love and expertise they give to the animals in their care.

FAQs

We remain committed to making decisions which are informed by the best available expertise. At the same time, we recognise the importance of listening to a broader range of perspectives. We’ll be doing this by having one-to-one and group conversations with a diverse mix of engaged and active stakeholders. This dialogue is getting underway, and we look forward to engaging with individuals and organisations who share our passion for protecting and celebrating these extraordinary animals. Together, we can ensure that our approach reflects both scientific insight and the values of all of us who care about these penguins, while always being guided by what is best for them.

We are looking to progress at pace, but the most important thing is ensuring the process is thorough and considered, allowing us to get to the right outcome. We appreciate your patience and will provide an update when we are able to.

Penguin Point is a purpose-built climate-controlled habitat developed in consultation with veterinary experts and specialists in penguin behaviour and habitat design. It reflects key elements of their natural environment and meets the high standards set by the UK Government’s Standards of Modern Zoo Practice. The habitat maintains a temperature of 7-12°C to mirror the Gentoo penguins’ native climate and incorporates advanced ventilation and filtration systems to ensure clean air and protect their health. The habitat also uses seasonal lighting technology to support natural behaviours such as moulting, nesting and breeding. This collaborative approach ensures that the penguins’ welfare is prioritised and encourages behaviours essential to their wellbeing.

This is a complex issue – and any alternative has to guarantee that the health and wellbeing of these penguins is maintained at a high standard.
 
Penguin Point was carefully designed to reflect important elements of the animals’ natural environment as closely as possible to ensure good health, including climate-controlled temperature and filtered fresh air. These are things that can’t easily be replicated outdoors, creating a potential risk to their health. Introducing these Gentoo penguins into the wild would not be appropriate. They have spent their entire lives in human care, and will be missing many of the important life skills required for survival in the wild, such as hunting for live food and avoidance of predators. In line with the IUCN reintroduction guidelines, this approach would not be recommended as it would put their lives at risk. 
However, we recognise that there are some groups and individuals who believe that a different approach is needed. We want to better understand these perspectives, and are interested to hear a range of views and constructive ideas on what could be done differently.

Yes. Their behaviour, breeding cycles and health indicators are regularly assessed by experts. The habitat is designed to support their health and wellbeing.

The penguins are cared for daily by a team of experienced aquarists and animal welfare specialists. We also host independent specialist vet visits every two months for routine checks, and we continue to be assessed by independent organisations like Global Humane Society and the International Zoo Veterinary Group.

Gentoo penguins at SEA LIFE London Aquarium play a vital role in education and conservation awareness. Their presence sparks vital public awareness of the urgent threats penguins face globally, from the devastating impacts of climate change and overfishing, to the dangers of oil exploration, plastic pollution, and emerging diseases like Avian Influenza. Through these remarkable birds, visitors gain a deeper understanding of the fragile ecosystems we must protect.

We collaborate with global organisations to protect seabirds, including rescue, rehabilitation and release of endangered species like the African Penguin. Our aquarists also share expertise in the field to support these efforts. Learn more: SANCCOB Conservation.

SEA LIFE London Aquarium’s Zoo Licence was renewed in April 2025 following a full and comprehensive inspection. The care of these penguins meets all the requirements set out in the UK Government’s Standards of Modern Zoo Practice for Great Britain.

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