A brand new aquatic attraction is opening at Chessington World of Adventures & Zoo at the start of the 2008 season: a Sea Life Centre with over 20 marine life displays housing species ranging from tiny shrimps and starfish to magnificent sharks and stingrays.


The 250,000 litre aquarium, which will be located within Chessington Zoo - will bring kids of all ages almost nose to nose with a wide range of sea creatures, creating the illusion that the visitor is on display while the fish swim freely around. Interactive 'touchpools', fun exhibitions and a walkthrough ocean tank will offer a final 'wow-experience' as the fish swim overhead.


Mike Vallis, General Manager of Chessington World of Adventures & Zoo, commented: "This is such an exciting development for Chessington and underpins our commitment to develop our amazing animal experiences in association with our new owners, Merlin Entertainments Group. Families visiting Chessington will now have an even wider choice of attractions to choose from - all in one place!"


The new aquarium is a compact, yet comprehensive aquatic experience that arrives in the UK from Nuremberg, Germany in November 2007. The sea creatures are being assembled at Sea Life's collection centre and quarantine facility in Weymouth, Dorset from where they will be transported to Chessington by road. Months of installation will mean the new attraction opens to the public as Chessington's season launches in March 2008 for the Easter Break.


Chessington World of Adventures & Zoo and Sea Life are both part of Merlin Entertainments Group, the leading name in location based, family entertainment that has seen the most successful and dynamic growth of any company in the sector over the last five years. The new Sea Life Centre at Chessington will be one of 26 Sea Life centres and Sanctuaries in eight countries across Europe.