The sweet smell of popcorn greeted zoo keepers when they returned to work last month to find three baby binturongs.

The binturong, known as bearcats, are known for having a natural scent almost identical to movie popcorn.

The new arrivals were the product of Jalita and Awan, who have successfully bred at Chessington Zoo in the past, but never a litter of three before.

Head mammal keeper John Merrington said: “Binturong are fantastic animals to work with, incredible friendly and sociable, in fact one of our female binturong loves people so much she will often take part in the daily shows.

“The continued breeding of these animals is an important part of the European stud book programme and we are delighted to welcome these new additions who can be seen out and about in their home in Trail of the Kings very soon.”