To celebrate the 75th anniversary of Chessington Zoo in 2006, we opened a brand new interactive animal area called Creatures Features.
Kids can try and jump as high as wallabies or run as fast as rheas with the interactive play and learn features – plus come nose to nose with the mischievous meerkats through specially constructed underground viewing globes!
In this area you will find…
Alpaca
Originating from the Andes Mountains in South America, the Alpaca is a domestic descendant of the 'Guanaco'. Alpaca can be raised for their fine wool, but they must be kept in pasture as they cannot survive on browsing shrubs alone.
Capybara
The largest living rodent in the world is the Capybara who originates from South America. They are semi aquatic mammals and to help them swim they have slightly webbed feet!
Chinchilla
Chinchillas are classified as rodents and originate from high up in the Andes Mountains of South America. We have a male and a female currently living with us at Chessington Zoo called Charlie and Bob, and we hope they will soon start a family.
Ferret
Ferrets are the domestic relation of the polecats, and are members of the same family as otters, badgers and skunks. Chessington Zoo currently have 11 ferrets, all of which are very curious and fun loving animals.
Guinea Pig
Despite their common name, these animals are not pigs, nor do they come from Guinea. They are native to the Andes and while they no longer exist in the wild, they are closely related to several species that are commonly found in the grassy plains and plateaus of the region.
KuneKune Pig
KuneKune Pigs are small domestic pigs thought to originate from New Zealand. These pigs are very hairy, have a dumpy build and can have unusual tassels hanging from their bottom jaw. Lilly and Biscuit are our Kunekune pigs. They have a friendly, placid nature and have recently just had piglets.
Meerkat
Originally from South Africa, meerkats live in dry areas, feed during the day on insects and other small animals and to keep warm and safe at night they live in burrows underground. Meerkats are sociable animals and can live in groups of up to 20, which plays a key part in their survival.
Pot-bellied Pig
The pot-bellied pig is a breed of domesticated pig originating in Vietnam. Most adult pot-bellied pigs are about the size of a medium to large breed dog. We have two pot-bellies called Trixie and Dixie living in Chessington Zoo.
Rabbit
There are many different breeds of domestic rabbit, including the English Angora, Dwarf Hotot, Chinchilla, Dutch, Flemish Giant, Himalayan, Neterland Dwarf, Rex, Polish, Jersey Wooly, Satin and Mini Lop. All of the male rabbits are 'bucks' and the females are called 'does'.
Rhea
Chessington Zoo's Rhea are called Zazu and Wilek, and in the wild they are found in South America where they live on the open planes. Rhea are smaller versions of the Ostrich and can grow up to 1.5m high. They live for around 15 years and can run at speeds of up to 30 mph!
Wallaby
Parma Wallabies can be found throughout the rainforest of New South Wales in Australia, and the Kawau Island of New Zealand. They are members of the marsupial family, and they carry their offspring in a pouch on their tummies.
Book your visit now, or for the chance to get even more involved, see our information about Zoo Keeper for a Day, Animal Parties and Adoption packages.
