FOUR mischievous meerkat pups have been born at Chester Zoo.

The quadruplets have been tucked away in their den since being born, but have ventured out and started exploring their habitat for the very first time.

The new arrivals, which are yet to be sexed or named by keepers, were born to first time parents Huskie and Beagle.

Lead keeper Kirsten Wicks said: "There are 21,000 animals here at the zoo, but surely none are cuter than these pups.

"Parents Huskie and Beagle have been minor celebrities since they appeared on Channel 4's The Secret Life of The Zoo last month.

"Visitors have been really keen to know how they're getting on, so it's amazing to be able to share the great news about their new arrivals.

"This is their first litter and the pups are doing incredibly well, they have already began learning how to forage for food and are spending lots of time grooming and playing together. It's the start of a growing, happy new mob!"

Meerkats are native to South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Angola and inhabit open country and sparse woody scrublands.

Meerkat facts:

· The four pups were born on 26 March and spent the first few weeks of their life tucked away in their den with parents Huskie and Beagle

· Once the zoo's keepers have determined the sex of the pups, they will then decide on names

· Meerkats are native to Angola, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa

· Most meerkats live in underground burrows in large groups of around 30 individuals called a gang or a mob

· Meerkats have scent pouches below their tails and will rub these pouches on rocks and plants to mark their territory

· They have dark patches around their eyes that act to cut down on the glare and help them see far into the distance

· Meerkats can close their ears to keep dirt out while digging