Otter & Binturong Habitat

The Otter & Binturong Habitat project could mark the start of an exciting new chapter for Chessington World of Adventures‘ Zoo. The Resort has submitted plans to transform the existing Otter enclosure into a modern home for Asian Small-Clawed Otters and Binturongs. However, the proposal must first secure planning approval before construction can begin.

The plans focus on quality rather than size. Instead of expanding the enclosure, the design makes much better use of the existing space. A smaller pond creates room for larger habitat areas and richer planting. New climbing structures, themed buildings and purpose-built dens complete the transformation.

Animal welfare drives every part of the proposal. The new habitat introduces more enrichment, varied terrain and dedicated spaces for animal care. Meanwhile, guests will enjoy better viewing angles throughout the enclosure. New underwater viewing windows should also provide memorable encounters with the playful otters.

The design brings a fresh look to this corner of the Zoo. East Asian-inspired architecture, themed rockwork and dense planting create a more immersive setting. As a result, the enclosure should feel more natural and better connected to the surrounding area.

For many visitors, parts of Chessington’s Zoo have looked tired in recent years. Although the collection remains one of the Resort’s greatest strengths, some habitats have needed fresh investment. Consequently, this project feels like a welcome change. It doesn’t simply refresh an old enclosure. Instead, it completely reimagines it for the future.

The project could also become the first step in a wider programme of improvements across the Zoo. Nothing else has been announced yet. Even so, this proposal offers an encouraging glimpse of what future investment could deliver.

For now, the Otter & Binturong Habitat remains in the planning process. We’ll follow every stage of the application as it progresses. Then, once approvals arrive and work begins, we’ll bring you regular construction updates, photographs and the latest news as this exciting project starts to take shape.

Planning

A Reimagined Habitat

Chessington World of Adventures Resort has submitted plans to completely reimagine its existing Otter habitat, creating a brand-new shared home for both Asian Small-Clawed Otters and Binturongs. Rather than expanding the footprint, the proposal focuses on making far better use of the existing space while delivering major improvements for animal welfare, biodiversity and the guest experience.

Although the enclosure already occupies around 390 square metres, planning documents reveal that only around 38% of the available habitat currently serves the animals effectively. The redesign reorganises the entire layout, reducing the oversized pond and transforming previously underused areas into new habitats, planting and enrichment spaces. As a result, every part of the enclosure will become far more functional for both the animals and their keepers.

The new design also introduces a striking East Asian-inspired theme, drawing inspiration from reclaimed ruins that have been overtaken by nature. Themed rockwork, timber structures, textured walls and layered planting will help the habitat blend naturally with the surrounding zoo, creating a far more immersive environment for guests. Meanwhile, new vision panels will offer improved viewing opportunities above and below the water, allowing visitors to enjoy the otters from entirely new perspectives.

Animal welfare sits firmly at the heart of the proposal. Plans include dedicated on-show and off-show dens, climbing structures, nesting platforms, shaded planting, training areas and improved keeper facilities. Furthermore, the habitat has been designed to encourage more natural behaviours through varied terrain, additional enrichment opportunities and better separation between guest and operational areas.

The project also embraces sustainability wherever possible. Existing enclosure walls and sections of fencing will remain in place, while vision panels from another retired attraction within the resort will receive a second life inside the new habitat. Consequently, construction waste falls while the overall environmental impact stays lower than a complete rebuild.

Overall, it represents a thoughtful evolution rather than a wholesale replacement. If approved, the project promises a more engaging guest experience, significantly improved living conditions for the animals and a habitat that better reflects Chessington’s renewed investment in its zoo.

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