Meerkat pups come out to play at Werribee Open Range Zoo

A MERE four weeks ago Werribee Open Range Zoo welcomed some curious critters into the world and this week the meerkat pups came out of their burrow for a play.

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A MERE four weeks ago Werribee Open Range Zoo welcomed some curious critters into the world and this week the meerkat pups came out of their burrow for a play.

The two new arrivals are yet to be named but, after a few weeks of growth, are becoming more confident and starting to socialise outside.

Meerkats are born with their eyes and ears closed and are completely dependent on the adults until their hearing and eyesight develop.

Zoo keeper Paul Rushworth said it would be a few weeks before they were able to determine the sex of the two meerkats.

“The pups are growing stronger each day and Akili is receiving a lot of support from the rest of the mob,” Mr Rushworth said.

The two 3.5 week old Meerkat pups explore outside of their sleeping box at the Werribee Open Range Zoo. Picture: Stephen Harman

One of the 3.5 week old Meerkat pups takes a peek outside of the sleeping box at the Werribee Open Range Zoo. Picture: Stephen Harman

Meerkats will often share the parenting duties within their clan, known as alloparenting.

“As with any household with a newborn, there wasn’t much sleep in the burrow during the first few nights as the group adjusted their sleeping, eating and sentry schedules to include caring for youngsters.”

“As milestones occur such as eyes and ears opening, the group is becoming more relaxed.”

“Akili is an experienced mum, so she knows how to quickly perfect the multi-tasking skill of nursing and napping at the same time.”

One of the 3.5 week old Meerkat pups takes a peak outside of it's sleeping box at the Werribee Open Range Zoo. Picture: Stephen Harman

The pups join six other meerkats at the zoo, including four siblings born in 2015.

Kids under 16 receive free entry to Healesville Sanctuary, Melbourne Zoo and Werribee Open Range Zoo during school holidays.