Meerkat Pups Born at Taronga Western Plains Zoo

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: September 14, 2021 2:15 pm

The meerkat pups at Taronga Western Plains Zoo explore their habitat

Photo Credit: Taronga Western Plains Zoo

Taronga Western Plains Zoo have announced the birth of three meerkat pups. Arriving on 16 August 2021 the pups are now starting to explore their home at the zoo’s waterhole precinct.

The parents of the pups are Midra and Howell. They are second time parents having previously welcomed five pups in November 2020.

Their five older siblings have an important role in babysitting and caring for the pups. They are still reliant on mom for milk but will begin trying solid food at four weeks old.

This litter includes one male and two females which are yet to be named.

The meerkat pups at Taronga Western Plains Zoo explore their habitat with mom, Midra

Photo Credit: Taronga Western Plains Zoo

“The pups generally stay in the den for the first couple of weeks of life until they open their eyes and get stronger,” said Meerkat Keeper, Karen James.

“The trio has only recently emerged from the den and we are really happy with how they are growing and developing.”

“At six weeks of age the Meerkat pups will have their first of three vaccinations and we will conduct a quick physical examination at the same time,” said Karen.

“We are looking forward to watching the pups grow both in size and confidence as they start to explore their habitat more and more.”

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With the latest arrivals there is now 10 meerkats in the exhibit at The Waterhole precinct. A second group of meerkats is found at Taronga Western Plains Zoo near the black rhinos.

While Taronga Western Plains Zoo is currently closed to the public you can keep up with the pups growth on their social media channels.

“No doubt when the Zoo does reopen a visit to see the Meerkats will be high on the list of things to do, as they don’t stay little for long,” said Karen.