Chessington World of Adventures, the Kingston, UK-based visitor attraction owned by Merlin Entertainments, has submitted plans for a new gorilla enclosure.

The new 1,275sq m enclosure - with 53sq m viewing platform – would be a new home for Chessington’s western lowland gorillas, however, the park also wants permission to keep its temporary gorilla structure.

The reason for the latter is because the park’s oldest gorilla, Kumba, has suffered two strokes and is not considered safe to move.

A spokesperson for the park said: “The health, safety and welfare of our animals is our number one priority and the plans are to improve the environment and to enable us to continue with our successful breeding programme.

“The temporary gorilla house has been included in the new developments as we want to keep what we have and make it better.”