The Sea Life centre on London’s South Bank plans to relocate its colony of gentoo penguins to a new facility following public protests over the birds’ living conditions. The current exhibit, which houses the penguins in an underground enclosure without access to fresh air or natural light, has faced criticism from animal welfare groups, members of Parliament, and the general public.

Merlin Entertainments, the company that operates the Sea Life centres, announced that the gentoo penguins will be moved to an upgraded habitat at the National Sea Life Centre in Birmingham. The new enclosure is designed to provide improved living conditions by combining the penguin colonies currently housed in both London and Birmingham.

The relocation is scheduled for 2028, at which point the gentoo penguin habitat in London will be closed. The company emphasized that the new environment will be “enhanced” to better meet the needs of the penguins, addressing concerns raised during the campaign.

The move comes after sustained pressure from animal charities and advocacy groups who highlighted the importance of providing captive wildlife with access to natural elements such as daylight and fresh air. While the company did not disclose detailed plans for the new habitat’s design, it expressed commitment to improving the welfare of the penguin population under its care.