Two meerkat pups born at Fota Wildlife Park

Fota Wildlife Park has announced the birth of two new meerkat pups.

The pups were born in June to mother, Biggy, who arrived from Dieren Park Zoo in the Netherlands along with her sister Missy in May of last year.

Biggy was paired with the resident male meerkat, Snaggle, and successfully produced a previous litter of three pups in September, called Bing, Biggles, and Bundi.

Lead Ranger at Fota Wildlife Park, Teresa Power said that Biggy had been closely monitored by the animal care team for possible pregnancy after a noticeable weight gain in May.

“On the morning of June 22, when Biggy and Snaggle did not come out for breakfast, we suspected that Biggy had given birth in an underground burrow, a common birthing practice for meerkats.”

Over the following days, Biggy was seen intermittently, coming out for food while the rest of the meerkat group took turns babysitting the newborns.

On July 7, the two pups were seen out in their habitat, surrounded by the entire meerkat group, showcasing the strong familial bonds and communal care that meerkats are known for.

According to the park, the pups are becoming increasingly active and independent, having thrived on their mother’s milk before starting to eat solid food two weeks ago.

The meerkat group remains vigilant and protective, ensuring the young ones are safe and well cared for as they explore their new environment.

The animal is a member of the mongoose family, and is a social and curious creature that lives underground in groups called mobs, gangs or clans.

Much of the meerkat’s time is spent digging and foraging for food including insects, roots, eggs, small reptiles and scorpions.

Fota is now inviting the public to come and see the growing meerkat family.

It is also encouraging people to help them choose names for the two pups, whose genders are yet unknown, via the form on their blog at www.fotawildlife.ie/news.