
Five baby meerkats, born one month ago at Chester Zoo, have taken their first steps outside. The tiny newcomers made their first public appearances after being hidden away in burrows by their parents since being born on April 20.

Team manager Dave White said:
“All of the pups are full of rough and tumble. They’re a real handful for mum, dad and the other adults in the mob who, between them, are doing their best to keep them in check. We should know if they’re male or female in the next couple of weeks."

The meerkats come hot on the heels of other new arrivals at the zoo. A rare baby warty pig and two warthog piglets have also made their debuts in recent weeks.