Baby meerkats make debut at Perth Zoo

• First meerkats in three years born at Perth Zoo
• Young meerkats part of regional breeding program

The popular meerkat colony at Perth Zoo has expanded with the birth of four healthy kits, which made their public debut today, surrounded by their mother, Tilly and the four adult males making up the meerkat clan.

Environment Minister Bill Marmion said the birth of the litter on September 27 followed the arrival in January of the new breeding female from Newquay Zoo in the United Kingdom.

"Perth Zoo has a successful history breeding this captivating species and has been able to continue that program with the successful pairing of this new female, which is a confident and relaxed first-time mother," Mr Marmion said.

"All of the adult males in the group have been helping out by sharing the babysitting duties. The sex of the kits will be determined at their first health check and vaccination next month.

"Their eyes were open within 14 days so they are already venturing out of their nest box and exploring their African Savannah home.

"These endearing animals are one of the most popular species at Perth Zoo and now visitors have even more reason to visit them."

Found in southern African, meerkats are members of the Mongoose family.  They are extremely social animals but are highly territorial and will fiercely defend their home from other meerkat mobs. 

From a vantage point, appointed meerkat sentries keep a look-out for predators while other group members forage for food.  The sentries stand on their hind legs to get a good view of approaching predators, including eagles and cobras.  When a threat is spotted, the sentries let out an alarm call and the group dives into its burrow.

      Fact File

• Meerkats have excellent vision with dark rings of fur around their eyes reducing the glare from the sun
• Make at least 10 different vocalisations, including threatening growl and alarm bark
• Live in complex burrows providing alternative exits/escape routes if intruder invades
• Photos - courtesy of Perth Zoo.

Minister's office - 6552 6800