The Sea Life London Aquarium has provided an update on its gentoo penguins after animal welfare campaigners called for their release.
In October, between 250 and 300 people peacefully protested against the captivity of 15 gentoo penguins at the aquarium as part of the 'Free the 15' campaign.
A cross-party group of 75 MPs later supported the campaign in an open letter.
Merlin Entertainments, which owns and operates the aquarium, said in a new statement that a stakeholder engagement meeting took place in December 2025.
Over two days, representatives of Merlin met with a "diverse group of leading independent experts" to discuss the future of the gentoo penguins.
The session was attended by representatives from Freedom for Animals, the Born Free Foundation, PETA and BIAZA, along with a specialist veterinarian and a professor of aquatic biology specialising in penguin behaviours.
Merlin said "a range of perspectives and options" were discussed, including "from those who believe a different approach is needed".
'Free the 15' campaign
"Meaningful progress" was made in "identifying a number of areas for action and additional consideration", the company added.
These range from making improvements to the penguin habitat to rehoming the animals to a different location.
Will Travers, executive president of the Born Free Foundation, said "a series of actions have been agreed focusing on the short and long-term welfare of the penguins as a priority".
The issue is complex, Merlin said, with more work necessary to consider the next steps. During this time, breeding will remain paused, as it has been since 2023.
Carys Bennett, senior corporate projects manager, PETA, said "there will be a suspension in any attempts to breed the gentoo penguins while all future, long-term options are fully explored, including lifetime care in a sanctuary".
The "ongoing care of the 15 penguins (including two who are geriatric) will remain the priority of the teams looking after them on a day-to-day basis", Merlin said.
Laura Walton, co-director of Freedom For Animals, added: “While we agreed that full release into the wild was, regrettably, not a viable option, concerted efforts will be ongoing to see whether the establishment of a penguin sanctuary for these and other suitable birds could offer lifetime care in a more suitable and naturalistic environment, incorporating natural sunlight and fresh air."
Images courtesy of Merlin Entertainment
