Six fluffy bundles of pleasure have arrived at Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo, with the Zoo’s Meerkat mob welcoming its second litter of pups for 2023.
Mum Midra gave start to 6 pups on Wednesday 2nd August, and whereas the pups are but to be sexed or named, keeper Rez Onay stated they’re doing nicely.
“Coming in every morning and seeing the pups, it’s the perfect a part of the day,” Rez stated.
“They’re very cute and our predominant job is watching the behaviour of the household, ensuring everyone seems to be completely satisfied and nicely and taking care of the brand new arrivals.
“The household is doing a terrific job of taking care of the pups, who’re placing on weight and getting extra lively each day.”
These arrivals carry the entire variety of meerkats on the Zoo to twenty, together with 14 within the breeding group at The Waterhole. Dad and mom Midra and Howell have their palms full, with 10 pups below six months of age.
“Meerkats can fall pregnant as quickly as one week after giving start, or as soon as the pups are weaned at about eight weeks of age, so it’s common for them to present start once more so quickly,” Rez stated.
“It’s actually essential within the meerkat mob for everybody to take turns babysitting; even the 4 pups we had earlier this 12 months have taken on large brother and sister roles and are doing an incredible job taking care of everybody, ensuring that Mum and Dad are getting the meals and relaxation that they want.”
The pups can now be seen within the meerkat habitat at The Waterhole, nonetheless the mob is protectively holding them out of sight whereas they’re so small – weighing simply 70 grams!
“The perfect time to see the pups will probably be when they’re about 4-5 weeks of age, once they’re slightly bit extra adventurous and exploring their exhibit!”
The Meerkats at Taronga Western Plains Zoo are ambassadors for his or her wild counterparts. Whereas Meerkats are classed as ‘least concern’ by the ICUN, they nonetheless play an important position in sustaining the ecological concord of their desert houses by consuming an insect wealthy eating regimen.
Images by: Karen James