Five brand new meerkat pups have joined the family at Taronga Western Plains Zoo, with breeding pair Howell and Midra leaping at the chance to become parents.
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According to keeper Karen James, the latest additions are the first belonging to the pair, who have taken to their new roles as parents with enthusiasm.
"This is the first litter of pups for Howell and Midra who both play an important role in rearing the pups," Ms James said.
"We couldn't be happier with the care and protection they are displaying towards their pups."
The pups, born in late November of last year, have spent their first few weeks at the Zoo within the family's den, but have since become stronger and more adventurous.
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"The pups generally stay in the den for the first few of weeks of life until they open their eyes and become a little stronger," Ms James said.
"Over the past couple of months the pups have definitely grown in size and confidence and are regularly out exploring their environment and foraging for food."
The two new happy parents moved to Western Plains Taronga Zoo as part of a shake-up that saw the current residents of the Waterhole precinct move on to another zoo in Australia.
"The Meerkat family move went well and they are now been given some time to settle in to their new home. It is the first time they will have seen people in a while as they have been behind-the-scenes at the Zoo since arriving in Dubbo," Ms James said.
The couple were brought to Dubbo from two, seperate wildlife parks in September of 2020, and the zoo is eager to see their future together.
"No doubt our Meerkat family will be a popular addition to the Waterhole precinct and guests will be able to sit and watch their antics whilst enjoying a meal or coffee at the Waterhole Café," Ms James said.