Protesters calling for the release of penguins "trapped in a basement" demonstrated outside a London attraction on Sunday, with musician turned eco-campaigner Feargal Sharkey throwing down the gauntlet to the company boss.

Between 250-300 animal welfare campaigners said the 15 penguins are kept "in a windowless basement enclosure" at the Sea Life London Aquarium, with no daylight or outdoor access.

The aquarium, owned by Merlin Entertainments, opened its first penguin exhibit in May 2011.

The 10 gentoo penguins introduced from Edinburgh Zoo have "now endured 14 years in a basement", with a pool of only about seven feet deep (2.1m) in which to swim, according to the campaigners that organised the protest.

Born Free says at least two of the birds have never seen the sky.

A spokesper

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