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New meerkats born at Roundhay's Tropical World
A trio of new arrivals have reared their little heads at Roundhay's Tropical World as the first baby meerkats have been born there in 10 years.
The new-borns made their first public appearance at the centre after coming into the world some four weeks ago.
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The babies are as a result of a new breeding programme following the death of two older meerkats last year.
Steve Dickie, head animal keeper, said they were an exciting new addition to Tropical World.
He said: "We've had meerkats for years but this has been the first lot of babies in 10 years here. It's been a long time. We had planned to introduce some new baby meerkats but I didn't expect them as soon as this. They are just in time for the Easter holidays."
The breeding began after Steve brought in a female and another male from the Cotswolds into the clan.
"I got them from different groups to make sure they were unrelated. I knew her mother was a very successful breeder so she's got good bloodlines.
"We will leave her now breeding successfully. I would like a dozen adult meerkats and a litter then other brothers and sisters after that will be moved onto other zoos."
And once they start breeding, they can't stop according to Steve.
"Once you get them breeding there's a 75-day gestation – once you get them going it's just two-and-a-half months in between litters. She's had a litter and within a couple of weeks she will be mated again and 75 days later she will have another litter."
The babies were born in February and it's not yet known what sex they are.
But within the next few months they should be up on their hind legs in that comical stance so characteristic of meerkats.
Coun John Procter, Leeds Council executive member for leisure, said: "These are a fantastic addition. You put these with the crocodiles and the snakes that we have just got here. These are one of the most popular attractions we have got anyway but to have cute little babies like these, we have a great attraction for everyone to come and see."
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Saturday 04 February 2012
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