Pressure grows for release of penguins ‘trapped’ in London aquarium basement

One of the 15 Gentoo penguins pictured at Sea Life London Aquarium. Born Free/PA Wire

Dozens of British lawmakers have called for the release of 15 penguins “trapped” in a London aquarium basement without access to daylight or fresh air, saying their living conditions are “utterly unacceptable.”

The 15 Gentoo penguins are housed in an enclosure at the Sea Life London Aquarium, located next to the River Thames, a short distance from the Houses of Parliament.

The aquarium, owned by Merlin Entertainments, first opened its penguin exhibit in May 2011, according to the UK’s PA Media news agency.

Campaigners say the penguins “are a small colony, in a tiny enclosure, that does not meet their physical and social needs and does not allow them to enjoy their natural behaviours.”

“Their enclos