A PAIR of mischievous meerkat pups have taken their first steps outside at Chester Zoo.
And as our video and pics show it looks like they had a whale of a time.
Since being born on May 28, the tiny twosome had been kept safely tucked up in their underground burrows by mum Huskie and dad Beagle.
But now, six weeks later and each around 250 grams heavier, the delightful duo have ventured out to begin exploring the world for the first time.
Under the guidance of mum, dad and the rest of the mob, the pups – which arrived after an 11-week gestation – will now learn how to forage for food, groom one another and play together. These activities will all help to encourage close family bonds and unity in the group.
Currently the pups are too small to sex and so zookeepers are yet to give the new arrivals their names.
Meerkats are native to South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Angola and live in open country and sparse woody scrublands, feeding mostly on lizards, birds, bugs and fruit.
Meerkat facts
- 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 have four toes on each feet and very long, non-retractable claws to help them dig
- Meerkats can close their ears to keep dirt out while digging
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