7th July 2025
Since its launch, our campaign to have 15 gentoo penguins moved out of Sea Life London Aquarium has gone from strength to strength. We have achieved national media attention, a parliamentary Early Day Motion in support, and almost 10,000 signatures on our petition. Our latest development continues to grow and strengthen the campaign – the Children’s Parliament of the UK are announcing their support.
Freedom for Animals launched this campaign back in January 2024. We object to all animal captivity, however surely nobody could support penguins being held in a basement enclosure, with no natural light or fresh air, and a pitifully small pool in which to swim and dive. Sea Life’s treatment of these penguins is inexcusable, and the addition of young voices to the call for their removal is a huge milestone towards achieving our aims. Attractions like Sea Life claim to be a fun and educational day out for children, but not every child wants to be entertained by animals held prisoner in dungeons.
As children, we know how important freedom and fresh air are for happiness. That’s why I’m backing the campaign to free the Gentoo 15. Penguins deserve sunlight, space to swim, and a real sky above them—not life in a dark basement. We must give them their freedom.
-Naila Seetal, 11, Child Prime Minister of the Sir David Amess UK Children’s Parliament
Children are important members of our communities, and their opinions, wants and needs matter. The Children’s Parliament was established for that very reason – to ensure children are represented and considered. Members of the Children’s Parliament, including their Prime Minister Naila Seetal, will announce their support from outside the aquarium on the morning of Friday 25th July. Representatives from Freedom for Animals and Born Free Foundation will be there to send a clear message to Sea Life London Aquarium and its parent company, Merlin Entertainments: enough is enough, relocate these animals to somewhere they can thrive.
Stand with us!
If you would like to show your support, please get in touch! We’d love to welcome supporters of all ages, but especially children, to the event on Friday 25th July. We’re assembling at 8am so that we can be visible to morning commuters, and maybe even get on the morning news!
Can’t attend on the day? Don’t worry, there are plenty of ways to help the penguins!
- Sign the petition
- Write to your MP
- Boycott all Merlin Entertainments Attractions
- Adopt a penguin
- Create a poster for penguins, like Naila has!
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