Meerkat pups born in Adelaide Zoo, the first in seven years

MEERKAT pups have been born at the Adelaide Zoo for the first time in seven years — and boy are they cute! SEE THE VIDEO

MEERKATS born at Adelaide Zoo last month have taken their first steps outside.

“The pups are absolutely tiny, probably tipping the scales at about 100 grams each,” Adelaide Zoo keeper Jenna Hollamby said.

The five pups born on July 24 — the zoo’s first in seven years — have spent the first few weeks of their lives in burrows and are now just venturing out under the watchful eyes of their first-time parents Miney and Swazi.

A new meerkat pup at the Adelaide Zoo with its mother. Picture: AAP/Adrian Mann, Zoos SA

Zoo visitors will start to see the pups in their habitat in front of the giraffe enclosure for short periods each day, as they grow in confidence and start to explore the outside world.

“The pups are still spending a lot of time inside, but every day, they explore further from their burrow and are becoming more adventurous,” Ms Hollamby said.

A new meerkat pup at the Adelaide Zoo with its mother. Picture: AAP/Adrian Mann, Zoos SA

“The best time for visitors to try and catch a glimpse of the new family is first thing in the morning or when the sun is shining.”

The pups’ sex will be confirmed during their eight-week check-up in about a month’s time, where they will also receive their first vaccinations and an overall health examination.

A new meerkat pup born at Adelaide Zoo. Picture: AAP/Adrian Mann, Zoos SA

Adelaide Zoo has bred more than 80 meerkats since 1993.

They are native to southern Africa.