Sea Life London Aquarium’s basement penguin enclosure, which has drawn criticism for its lack of daylight and fresh air, is scheduled to close within the next two years. The facility’s 14 gentoo penguins will be relocated to a significantly larger and deeper pool at the National Sea Life Centre in Birmingham, with the transfer expected to be completed by 2028.
Merlin Entertainments, the owner of both locations, announced plans for the upgrade following public protests and advocacy campaigns highlighting concerns about the welfare of the captive penguins. Reconstruction at the Birmingham site is planned to begin in 2027, with temporary relocation of animals during the renovation. The new habitat will provide the penguins with expanded space and improved environmental conditions, including natural daylight and a pool depth 3.5 times greater than that at the London facility, which currently has a pool depth of just seven feet.
The enhanced habitat will cover approximately 1,238 square feet, a substantial increase from the 753-square-foot enclosure currently in Birmingham. It will also serve as a research center equipped with advanced monitoring technology to track the health and welfare of the penguins. Once completed, the facility is expected to accommodate up to 30 gentoo penguins.
Previous backlash centered on the London aquarium’s basement setup, viewed by animal welfare groups as unsuitable for species accustomed to wide open natural environments. Laura Walton, co-director of Freedom for Animals, welcomed the planned closure while expressing regret that the penguins could not be relocated to an outdoor sanctuary. “While the planned improvements at Sea Life Birmingham are positive, these penguins deserve far more than a lifetime behind barriers,” Walton stated. She also noted Merlin’s commitment to end breeding of gentoo penguins in its captive facilities, preventing future generations from being born into captivity.
Born Free Foundation’s head of policy, Dr. Mark Jones, praised the collaborative discussions that led to the revised plans, emphasizing the progress made toward prioritizing animal welfare. “Because of Merlin’s commitment to end breeding, this will be the last generation of gentoo penguins in Merlin’s care,” Jones said. He added that the new facility reflects a more environmentally enriched and compassionate approach to captive animal management.
Merlin Entertainments has confirmed that ticket prices will not increase to fund the £2.5 million upgrade. The company said the timing of the move and other construction elements would prioritize the penguins’ wellbeing. Following the relocation, the London gentoo penguin habitat will be closed and its space repurposed for conservation initiatives within Sea Life.
Some of the current penguins are as young as three years old and could live in the renovated enclosure for up to three decades. Meanwhile, Sea Life staff continue to provide ongoing expert care at both London and Birmingham locations as preparations proceed for the transition.