Gentoo penguins to be phased out at Sea Life's UK facilities

THE owner of Sea Life London Aquarium has promised to phase out gentoo penguins at all of its UK facilities, marking a win for wildlife campaigners.

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Merlin Entertainments said in a statement that it would merge the 14 penguins in the London site with the 17 housed at its Birmingham facility into a single colony, with a new habitat that has natural light and more water space.

The multinational firm also committed to ending breeding of the birds permanently after holding two days of talks over the issue last week.

It comes after campaigners have long called on bosses to provide better conditions for the penguins, who are housed in an indoor basement enclosure in London without access to fresh air or daylight.

Freedom for Animals, the Born Free Foundation, the Daily Express Newspaper, MPs and members of the public all joined the campaign, with some urging the firm to move the penguins outdoors.

The company, which is one of the largest aquarium operators in the world, said it will confirm a full proposal for the improved enclosure by September, adding it will likely be based at the London Aquarium.