Fota Wildlife Park announces birth of two meerkat pups

Olivia Kelleher

Fota Wildlife Park has announced the birth of two meerkat pups to mother Biggy and dad, Snaggle, who are the dominant breeding pair within the clan.

While the park is temporarily closed to the public, life for the animals continues, and the young meerkats, born on October 16th, have been very active exploring their habitat.

Management at the park indicate that whilst they remain shut “animal care is continuing diligently behind closed doors.”

Fota last month confirmed that it will stay closed for a number of weeks following an outbreak of H5N1 avian influenza. 11 confirmed cases of bird flu were identified in the Greylag Goose population at the park.

The outbreak originated from wild bird populations in the Cork Harbour area.

Fota Wildlife Park is home to over an hundred animal species, many of which are endangered or at risk of extinction in the wild.

The park actively participates in European Endangered Species Programmes for species such as the Asian lion, Indian rhino, Northern cheetah, and red panda.

It collaborates with zoological organisations across Europe and the UK under the guidance of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria. The park first opened to the public in June 1983.

Members of the public who would like to support vital animal care and conservation activities onsite can make a donation at:

https://www.fotawildlife.ie/products/donate-to-fota-wildlife