On World Penguin Day on Saturday (25 April), animal welfare campaigners urged the Sea Life London Aquarium to progress with "viable options" for its gentoo penguins "without delay".
Campaigners have been calling for the release of 15 gentoo penguins at the aquarium as part of the 'Free the 15' campaign, led by Freedom for Animals with support from Born Free and the Daily Express newspaper.
In the wild, gentoo penguins can reach speeds of 22 mph and dive to depths of more than 600 feet. In their current space at the Sea Life London Aquarium, the pool is six to seven feet deep.
Gentoo penguins at Sea Life London Aquarium
Via the Daily Express, fresh pressure has been put on Merlin Entertainments, which owns the attraction on London's South Bank.
Laura Walton, co-director of Freedom for Animals, said: “It is especially important to reflect on what these animals truly deserve on World Penguin Day. We welcome Merlin Entertainments’ ongoing engagement through these multi-stakeholder discussions, including the exploration of long-term solutions such as sanctuary care.
“We continue to urge that any viable options are progressed without delay, so that these penguins can move closer to the kind of life they are entitled to as wild animals.”
Last month, the Sea Life London Aquarium said that "no change is not an option" for its gentoo penguins after meeting with a "diverse group of leading independent experts" to discuss the birds' future.
Gentoo penguins at Sea Life London Aquarium
Campaigners, penguin experts and Merlin will meet for more talks at the end of May and share a plan for the penguins.
Mark Jones, Born Free's head of policy, said: "Thanks to the campaign to highlight the plight of the penguins at Sea Life London, a door has been opened for discussions with the owners.
“Born Free will continue to engage with them in order to secure the best outcome for the penguins.”
