Biggy’s smallies!

Fota Wildlife Park has announced the birth of three adorable meerkat pups, bringing the park’s fast-growing population to 13.

Born to mum Biggy and dad Snaggle, the three pups have already joined the mob and can already be seen playing in their habitat which sits just inside the main entrance of the park.

Lead Ranger Teresa Power said: “On 23 January, our rangers noticed something unusual - both Biggy and Snaggle were absent from the main group, and we suspected that Biggy had given birth as we could faintly hear the litter from their underground burrows.”

She continued: “It is still too early to determine the gender of the pups, but one thing is certain – the entire mob is actively involved in their care. In keeping with typical meerkat behaviour, group members take turns babysitting and keeping the young warm, allowing Biggy and Snaggle time to rest and feed.”

Biggy, originally from DierenPark Zoo in the Netherlands, arrived at Fota Wildlife Park in May 2023 alongside her sister, Missy. She was paired with resident male Snaggle, and the pair have successfully produced litters in the past.

The Fota meerkat mob consists of three males, father Snaggle and his sons, Luigi and Bundi The group also consists of seven females, including Biggy, and her sister, Missy. Biggy’s daughters, Biggles, Bing, Peach, Shongo, and Lolo, complete the meerkat clan.