Sea Life penguins moved from London basement to daylight habitat

Sea Life aquarium penguins kept in a basement in London and Birmingham are set to be relocated to better living conditions with access to natural daylight. The aquarium's owner has also decided to stop breeding gentoo penguins at both UK sites.

Penguins housed in basement enclosures at Sea Life aquariums in London and Birmingham are to be moved to improved habitats where they will have access to natural daylight, following concerns raised about their living conditions.

The owner of the Sea Life aquarium chain announced that the gentoo penguins currently kept underground will be rehomed in environments better suited to their welfare needs. The decision comes amid growing scrutiny of how aquarium and zoo attractions keep animals in urban settings, where space and natural light are often limited.

In addition to relocating the penguins, the company confirmed it will cease its gentoo penguin breeding programme at both the London and Birmingham Sea Life sites. The move signals a broader shift in the operator's approach to animal management at its UK venues.

Animal welfare advocates have long argued that basement environments are unsuitable for penguins, which are accustomed to open, light-filled habitats. Access to daylight is considered essential for the birds' physical and psychological wellbeing.