London aquarium to relocate penguins to Birmingham by 2028

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 13:32 · Archive

Sea Life London Aquarium will close its indoor penguin enclosure in 2028, relocating 14 gentoo penguins to a new outdoor habitat in Birmingham.

Sea Life London Aquarium will close its indoor gentoo penguin enclosure in 2028 and relocate the 14 birds to the National Sea Life Centre in Birmingham. The penguins currently have no access to natural light or fresh air in their London habitat. They will join 17 gentoo penguins already at the Birmingham facility, creating a single combined colony.

Merlin Entertainments, which owns both attractions, will begin work on the new enclosure at the West Midlands venue in 2027. The new habitat will be designed in collaboration with an expert in wild penguins and will provide a "dynamic and complex environment" with seasonal variations. Land and water areas will be double the size of those in the existing London habitat, along with a longer pool. The company has also committed to ending the breeding of gentoo penguins at its UK facilities.

The closure follows sustained pressure from campaigners, MPs and public figures including environmentalist Dale Vince, broadcaster Chris Packham and zoologist Megan McCubbin. Dr Mark Jones, head of policy at the Born Free Foundation, said "common sense and compassion have prevailed" and that the welfare of the penguins had been prioritised.

London aquarium to relocate penguins to Birmingham by 2028 — Image: BBC London

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How it is being reported

Penguins to move from London to Birmingham in 2028A group of gentoo penguins will move to an outdoor space at Birmingham's National Sea Life Centre.BBC London · 20 Oct, 12:13
London aquarium to say goodbye to penguins after years of controversySea Life London Aquarium will close its controversial penguin enclosure in 2028, relocating 14 gentoo penguins to Birmingham following animal welfare concerns.This Is Local London · 20 Oct, 11:18

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

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