Following on from its recent successes, chester+zoo'>Chester Zoo has announced plans to invest £7m (US$9.4m, €8.3m) to improve the habitats of its 20,000-plus animal collection.

The zoo smashed its record for visitor figures in 2015, welcoming more than 1.7 million people through its doors, with those numbers expected to be exceeded in 2016. The figures were driven by its £40m (US$53.7m, €47.8m) Islands expansion towards the end of 2015, and from its Channel 4 documentary series The Secret Life of the Zoo in 2016.

Developments will include a new behind the scenes Bornean orangutan area in the zoo’s Realm of the Red Ape exhibit and improvements to its Monkey House. A new outdoor space will also be created to accommodate a pair of two-toed sloths, as well as a new habitat for the giant anteater to run alongside the existing capybara home.

Islands will also gain new additions with a new walkthrough bird aviary, a new home for the zoo’s two sun bears, and a Malayan tapir exhibit.

The investment is in line with the zoo’s philosophy of ‘always building’ – continually investing into animal habitats that follow the principles of animal wellbeing.

“This zoo was founded with the principles of animal wellbeing at its heart and for 85 years we have led the way in delivering world class habitats for the species in our care,” said Simon Mann, development director at Chester Zoo.

“It is with great pride that we are now able to deliver an even better future for the 20,000 animals here as we provide state-of-the-art improvements to their facilities.”