Marwell Zoological Park, near Winchester, is delighted to announce the recent birth of two meerkat kittens. Affectionately known as ‘kits’ by Marwell keepers they made their appearance known on the 24th March when they first made calls and squeaks whilst still underground in their den.
 
Meerkats are very sociable animals and live in large family groups. Originally from the Kalahari Desert in Botswana and South Africa they love to sit out in the sun. An adult will famously stay on ‘look out’ often sitting tall on a high rock to watch over the family. At Marwell, the three adults share this responsibility and keep watch on a 4ft rock mound so that they can observe the surrounding area just as they would in the wild.
 
Young meerkats do not venture out of their den until a few weeks after their birth as Marwell’s meerkat keeper Sam Compton explains: “When the kits are young they stay in their burrow with a parent or babysitter. They are allowed onto the surface when they are old enough to dig, search for food with the adults, and most importantly able to make a quick dash back to the burrow in case a predator appears.”
 
“Born to mum Sharon and Dad Chico, the kits also live with another female, Pepper, who helps out with babysitting duties. The pair are doing well and visitors can now watch the kits as they play and groom each other. They are sun lovers so the lovely weather we have been having recently is perfect for them.”
 
If you are wild about meerkats, Chico is available to adopt through Marwell’s Go Wild junior and general adoption schemes. The money from every adoption helps to care for and feed the animals at Marwell.  Available from just £25, the adoption pack contains lots of benefits including a free ticket for entry into Marwell to see Chico as well as the adopter’s name on a plaque for visitors to see. To adopt Chico go to www.marwell.org.uk or call the Adoption Office on 01962 777988
 
Marwell Zoological Park is open daily from 10am.