Petition: https://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/671/208/524/
The campaign to free the 15 gentoo penguins trapped in the basemnt of Sea Life London Aquarium has reached a powerful new milestone, as the Sir David Amess UK Children’s Parliament and a pop icon have added their voices to demand freedom for the “Gentoo 15.”
Since its launch in January 2024, the campaign—spearheaded by Freedom for Animals—has captured national headlines, prompted a parliamentary Early Day Motion, and rallied to 11,448 petition signatures (as at 15 Jul). Now, with the full backing of The Sir David Amess UK Children’s Parliament for primary aged kids, the call to free the penguins’ from captivity in Sea Life’s basement has never been louder or more urgent.
“Penguins Deserve Sunlight, Not Life in a Basement”
Naila Seetal, 11-year-old Child Prime Minister of the Sir David Amess UK Children’s Parliament, leads the charge for young people across the country dubbing the activity as part of her ‘Fridays for Fauna’ (like Greta Thunberg’s original ‘Fridays for the Future’):
“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.”
Born Free Foundation’s Junior Youth Ambassador, Leo Sordello-Savale, 11, will also be present. Leo says:
“Seeing penguins in a basement, in London, with no natural light and on fake ice is neither fun nor educational. No child wants to see animals suffer. It’s time Sea Life stops using children’s education to justify their cruelty”.
On Friday 25th July, Naila and fellow Children’s Parliament members will gather outside the London Aquarium at 8am – joined by 6 ft tall “3 penguins” and representatives from Freedom for Animals and the Born Free Foundation. Their message to Sea Life and its parent company, Merlin Entertainments, is clear: enough is enough—relocate these animals to a suitable environment where they can thrive.
On Children’s Parliament TV, a collaboration between South Essex College and Saint Pierre School in Leigh on Sea, the inaugural Children’s Parliament school, recorded a special Gentoo 15 message.
“A Prison in the Heart of London”
Isobel McNally, Campaigns Officer for Freedom for Animals, said:
“No child should be taught that it’s acceptable to imprison animals in windowless basements with no sunlight or fresh air. Sea Life’s treatment of these penguins is inexcusable. The addition of young voices to our campaign is a game-changer—children want to see animals free, not trapped for entertainment.”
Sea Life London’s gentoo penguins, native to the wild coasts of the Antarctic, are forced to spend their lives in a “small glass tank” with a pitifully shallow pool, never feeling the sun or breathing fresh air. They have never known anything but captivity.
Conservation Experts Demand Action
Ian Redmond OBE, Conservation Manager for Ecoflix, stated:
“Gentoo penguins are extraordinary, highly social birds that travel vast distances and dive deep in the wild. Keeping them underground, deprived of natural light and space, is indefensible. The world is watching—London must set a better example.”
Dr. Mark Jones, Head of Policy for the Born Free Foundation, said:
“A life in an underground aquarium is far removed from what a penguin would experience in the wild. These intelligent, active animals have been reduced to mere exhibits for entertainment. They deserve so much better. It’s high time Sea Life London did the right thing. If they can’t be returned to the wild, then they must at least be relocated to a facility that can provide them with a far better life.”
Join the Fight: Stand with the Children
The Children’s Parliament’s involvement marks a turning point in the campaign. Their demonstration on 25th July invites the public—especially children—to stand in solidarity for animal welfare and ethical education.
- What: Protest to Free the Gentoo 15
- When: Friday 25th July, 8:00am arrival for 8:45am Photocall.
- Where: Sea Life London Aquarium, Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, Southbank, London, SE1 7PB.
All are welcome to join and help make the morning news. Supporters are encouraged to sign the petition and spread the word: the time for change is now.
For further information, interviews, or to RSVP for the event, please contact:
- Freedom for Animals. Isobel McNally. Campaigns Officer. Email. isobel@freedomforanimals.org.uk Tel. 0845 330 3911.
Let’s give the Gentoo 15 the freedom they deserve—because every child, and every animal, deserves sunlight, fresh air, and a life worth living.
