The owners of Sea Life London Aquarium have admitted that "no change is not an option" for their gentoo penguins, following a campaign against the birds’ captivity.
Merlin Entertainments, which operates the central London attraction, has pledged to publish a concrete plan for the colony’s future by the end of May.
This commitment comes after members of the public, MPs, and animal welfare activists called for the release of the 15 penguins, who are housed in an indoor enclosure without access to fresh air or daylight.
A spokesperson for Merlin Entertainments on Monday said: “We’re in intensive, science-backed discussions with independent experts to determine best next steps.
“We all agree that no change is not an option and are together looking at the risks and opportunities associated with relocating the penguins, as an alternative to making further improvements to the habitat at SEA LIFE London.
“We are on track to share the plan, drawing on input from independent experts – including campaign groups and other key stakeholders – by the end of May.”
Owned by Merlin Entertainments, the aquarium first introduced 10 gentoo penguins from Edinburgh Zoo in May 2011.
Campaigners assert that these birds have now endured "14 years in a basement" where their pool is said to be only six to seven feet deep.
The Daily Express, Born Free Foundation and Freedom for Animals have been leading the “Free the 15” campaign, which has received the backing of musician-turned-environmentalist Feargal Sharkey, as well as naturalist and TV presenter Chris Packham.
More than 70 MPs also signed an open letter to Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds in November calling for an urgent review into the welfare of the birds, while a petition calling for the penguins to be moved into a better facility has received almost 50,000 signatures from members of the public.
Merlin Entertainments is co-run by Blackstone Group, Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) and Kirkbi, the investment arm of the Lego family.
The British theme park giant owns a wide range of attractions across the UK, including Alton Towers, Legoland Windsor, Madame Tussauds, Thorpe Park, and Chessington World of Adventures.
London developer closes in on deal to create Florida club to rival Trump’s Mar-a-Lago
Thames Water creditors pledge £3.4bn of new equity in improved rescue bid
CRH to fully delist from London market next month
Meningitis outbreak: Symptoms, how to test and what to avoid after two die in Kent
Home Office use of AI in asylum cases could be unlawful, legal experts warn
Student and sixth-form pupil die after outbreak of ‘invasive’ meningitis in Kent
