Inside SEA LIFE London Aquarium's Gentoo Penguin Habitat

Immerse yourself in the fascinating world Gentoo Penguins as we explore their vibrant habitat at SEA LIFE London Aquarium. Discover how our team ensures the well-being of these incredible creatures within our facility, along with our comprehensive care and conservation efforts.

Gentoo penguins with their bright orange beaks and cheerful waddles effortlessly captivate our hearts. They're known for their incredible swimming abilities, reaching speeds of up to 36 kilometres per hour, making them the fastest underwater swimmers among all penguin species. 

Here at SEA LIFE London Aquarium, we have a commitment to our oceans and work very closely with the SEA LIFE Trust to help with global conservation and animal welfare work.

Conservation efforts are vital to help protect the natural habitats of Gentoo Penguins in the wild. In addition to our conservation work, we also provide meticulous care to the penguins at our aquarium.

• As part of their daily husbandry routine, the penguins undergo a thorough deep cleaning of their enclosure, complete with scrubbing and rinsing to maintain optimal hygiene.
• Three times a week, the enclosure is disinfected to uphold bio security measures and safeguard the penguins from potential infections. This disinfectant is a specially formulated one kind to animals but yet able to clean the exhibit thoroughly. Special attention is also given to areas like the waterfall, receiving extra cleaning throughout the week.
• Additionally, monthly dives are undertaken to clean the main pool area, while stringent water quality checks and regular maintenance ensure the penguins enjoy a pristine aquatic environment. These tests will be carried out before and after the filter system to monitor its efficiency.
• Surprisingly, many of the penguins eagerly engage with our Aquarist team during cleaning sessions, showing curiosity with hoses and even brooms, while those preferring solitude are respected with ample space.
• Whilst the penguins are stimulated by their individual interactions within their colony our team add in other forms of varied enrichment to ensure the penguins are engaged.

This dedicated care ensures these beloved birds thrive in a safe and healthy environment.