Protesters calling for the release of penguins “trapped in a basement” demonstrated outside a London attraction on Sunday saying the 15 penguins are kept “in a windowless basement enclosure” at the Sea Life London Aquarium, with no daylight or outdoor access. The aquarium, owned by Merlin Entertainments, opened its first penguin exhibit in May 2011.

The 10 gentoo penguins have “endured 14 years in a basement, with a pool of only about seven feet deep to swim”. Born Free says at least two of the birds have never seen the sky. A spokesperson for the aquarium said the penguins’ habitat was “designed with advice from specialists… and had space to ensure privacy”.