The team at SEA LIFE Hunstanton are working really hard rescuing increasing numbers of seal pups and desperately needed extra facilities to rehabilitate the pups before releasing them back into the wild. We were thrilled to be asked to help them redevelop outside areas to include a new pool for the pups while also giving the otters a fantastic new enclosure to enjoy. The old otter display was transformed into the seal pup recovery pool with a new GRP liner, new filtration system, themed rockwork and haul out area.

We built a new pool for the relocated otter enclosure, finished in cement-based rock theming with matching occasional boulders in the landscaping. Water flows out of the of the pool down a gurgling, winding stream that we created and themed, providing an enhanced ambience for the otters and visitors alike. Both the otters and the keepers’ needs were carefully considered when we designed the new timber holt.  Barn doors allow staff to safely access the holt without stepping on or having to push otters out the way and are arranged in a series of two through an airlock, that prevent the otters from escaping when the door is open. The holt floor is coated in fibreglass to ease the cleaning process.

 A new perimeter fence of wooden panels was constructed, and we incorporated ten glass panels for visitors to watch the otters exploring their new home. In addition to the glass panels, we fitted five acrylic viewing domes recessed into the perimeter fence, so that children can enjoy a more immersive viewing experience with their heads in the domes looking all around the enclosure.