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Roundhay's Tropical World: Meercats house move online
Lights, camera....meercam! he nation's favourite mammals have been given a new all-mod-com habitat at Tropical World in Roundhay.
And all the action in the toughened glass enclosure will be relayed to the public via a webcam on Leeds City Council's website.
There will also be live feeds to Tropical World itself and the adjacent Explorers Cafe.
Children from the Immaculate Heart primary school at Moortown visited to watch the official opening of the enclosure which is the centrepiece of the Desert House.
It is a 360-degree viewing experience as visitors are able to walk around the glass and watch the cheeky creatures' antics.
The project has taken a year of planning in consultation with veterinary experts and zoos which have meerkats. The enclosure was then designed and made by Roundhay Park staff.
Meerkats are known to be curious creatures and are expected to take their time exploring their new home.
Underground burrows and an artificial termite mound have been built to mimic their natural surroundings.
They will have a quiet area which will double both as sleeping quarters and a bolt-hole for when they feel nervous or camera-shy.
Two cameras are being used. One is in the enclosure and the other is in a nest box. The latter will use night vision technology to let online visitors see the meerkats at rest.
Coun John Procter, executive member for leisure, said: "The meerkats are one of our most popular atrtractions at Tropical World and this imaginative enclosure will allow us to share the fun of their escapades.
"It is of an extremely high standard and a tribute to the flair and hard work of our park staff."
Go to www.leeds.gov.uk to take a look at the meerkats for yourself.
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Sunday 05 February 2012
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