Advertisement

Baby meerkats a surprise for Perth Zoo

Three of the five three-week-old meerkats born at the Perth Zoo. Picture: Bill Hatto/The West Australian

Perth Zoo's popular meerkat family has expanded once more with another set of pups appearing.

Mother Tilly gave birth to the five offspring on March 7, adding to the four born in November.

Keepers found the pups hidden in an artificial termite mound nest box.

The colony has now grown to 14 members including the mother, the father and three uncles.

Keeper Sophie Dentrinos said the youngsters were doing well.

"They're very adventurous with their clan and they're spending a lot of time out and about and particularly starting to look for food," Ms Dentrinos said.

"They're developing really nicely so we're really pleased with their progress so far."

The youngsters have already more than doubled in size weighing about 100g each after being born at about 30g.