Sea Life London to close controversial penguin exhibit by 2028

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 12:08 · Archive

Sea Life London Aquarium will close its indoor gentoo penguin enclosure by 2028 and relocate the birds to a new facility at the National Sea Life Centre in Birmingham. The operator, Merlin Entertainments, said construction on the enhanced Birmingham enclosure will begin in 2027, with the penguins expected to move in 2028.

The London exhibit has faced sustained criticism for housing 14 gentoo penguins indoors without access to daylight or fresh air. Campaigners at the Born Free Foundation, Freedom for Animals, the Daily Express newspaper and 75 MPs called for the birds to be released from what they described as a "basement" setting near Parliament.

The new Birmingham facility will combine the London colony with the 17 gentoo penguins already housed at the Birmingham venue. It will include natural light, seasonal variations and more water space, designed with input from an expert in wild penguins. Merlin Entertainments has also committed to end the breeding of gentoo penguins at its UK facilities. The Born Free Foundation welcomed the announcement, saying "common sense and compassion have prevailed".

Sea Life London to close controversial penguin exhibit by 2028 — Image: The Independent

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How it is being reported

Sea Life confirms controversial London penguin exhibit closure date after backlashAnimal welfare campaigners at the Born Free Foundation welcomed the news of the move to a larger, environmentally enriched enclosureThe Independent · 20 Oct, 11:52
Controversial London indoor penguin enclosure set to close in 2028A colony of gentoo penguins held at Sea Life London Aquarium will move to a bigger venue with fresh air in Birmingham.Evening Standard · 20 Oct, 10:35

In this story: Sea Life London Aquarium · National Sea Life Centre · Merlin Entertainments · Born Free Foundation · Freedom for Animals · Birmingham · London · Parliament

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