Sea Life London owner says ‘no change is not an option’ for indoor penguins
The owners of Sea Life London Aquarium have admitted “no change is an option” for their gentoo penguins following a campaign against the birds being brought into captivity.
Merlin Entertainments, which runs the central London attraction, has pledged to publish a concrete plan for the colony’s future by the end of May.
The pledge comes after members of the public, MPs and animal welfare activists called for the release of 15 penguins who were housed in a closed enclosure with no access to fresh air or sunlight.
A spokesperson for Merlin Entertainments said on Monday: “We are in intensive, science-backed discussions with independent experts to determine the best next steps.
“We all agree that no change is an option and together we are examining the risks and opportunities associated with relocating penguins as an alternative to further improving habitat at SEA LIFE London.
“We are on track to share the plan by the end of May, drawing on input from independent experts, including campaign groups and other key stakeholders.”
The aquarium, owned by Merlin Entertainments, first introduced 10 gentoo penguins from Edinburgh Zoo in May 2011.
Campaigners claim these birds have now endured “14 years in the basement”, with their pools reportedly only six to seven feet deep.
Daily Express, Born Free Foundation and Freedom for Animals are spearheading the “Free 15” campaign, which has the support of musician-turned-environmentalist Feargal Sharkey as well as naturalist and TV host Chris Packham.
More than 70 MPs also signed an open letter to Environment Minister Emma Reynolds in November calling for an urgent review of the birds’ welfare, while a petition calling for the penguins to be moved to a better facility received almost 50,000 signatures from the public.
Merlin Entertainments is jointly managed by Blackstone Group, the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) and Kirkbi, the investment arm of the Lego family.
The British theme park giant has a wide range of attractions across the UK, including Alton Towers, Legoland Windsor, Madame Tussauds, Thorpe Park and Chessington World of Adventures.
