The Sea Life London Aquarium is defending its controversial penguin enclosure amid mounting pressure from politicians and animal welfare campaigners who describe the facility as a "basement without sunlight or fresh air."
Political Pressure Mounts
Seventy-five MPs have joined animal welfare activists in calling for the immediate release of gentoo penguins housed at the Merlin Entertainments-owned attraction. The growing campaign has seen multiple politicians sign an open letter to Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds demanding an urgent review of the birds' welfare conditions.
The politicians have asked the Environment Secretary to consider whether the birds "should be relocated to a more suitable facility better aligned with their behavioural, ecological and physiological needs." The controversy centres around the enclosure's location and environmental conditions.
Aquarium's Defence
Sea Life London Aquarium owners have promised to listen to "constructive ideas" about the welfare of their 15 gentoo penguins while maintaining that the animals receive excellent care. The aquarium has disputed claims about the enclosure's location, stating it's on the ground floor rather than in a basement.
A spokesperson for Merlin Entertainments' welfare and education team explained: "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."
The aquarium maintains that their team of animal welfare specialists and aquarists provides daily care to ensure the penguins are happy and thriving. They argue that the enclosure replicates the penguins' natural habitat and actually keeps them healthier than outdoor conditions would.
Celebrity Backed Protests
The campaign has gained significant traction with support from high-profile figures. Conservationist and TV presenter Chris Packham participated in a protest against the enclosure on October 19, 2025. Musician-turned-environmentalist Feargal Sharkey has also backed the campaign.
Both attended a protest outside the aquarium last month, with Packham describing the facility as "a blight on the reputation of London's attractions." A petition by campaign group Freedom For Animals calling for the penguins to be moved to a better facility has already gathered more than 37,000 signatures.
The aquarium has committed to holding facilitated one-to-one and group discussions with campaign groups, specialists and political representatives. A spokesperson stated: "We recognise that some groups and individuals feel strongly that a different approach is needed. We hear that and we respect it."
Merlin Entertainments, co-run by Blackstone Group, Canada Pension Plan Investment Board and Kirkbi, owns numerous UK attractions including Alton Towers, Legoland Windsor and Madame Tussauds. The company has emphasised its commitment to doing "what's best for these penguins" while acknowledging the complexity of the issue.
