Auckland Zoo's meerkat Adia has had a litter of four pups. Photo: Auckland Zoo
Auckland Zoo has welcomed its first meerkat litter in more than a decade.
Four pups were born in-habitat last month, bringing the zoo's meerkat collection to seven.
Their mother is Adia, who arrived at the zoo in November.
Carnivore keeper Torey Stevens said the two-and-a-half week old pups - which resemble "miniature versions of their parents" - are healthy, strong and curious.
Their eyes have opened, he said, and they have passed their first health check at 12 days.
"They're starting to make their way out of the nest box... and start exploring their habitat, moving around," he said.
The pups have passed their first health check. Photo: Auckland Zoo
"They're starting to explore and try solid foods. They've stopped relying so much on mum for milk and test out fruit and veg and insects."
It was Adia's first litter and she was coping well considering the relatively large litter size, Stevens said.
These pups bring the zoo's meerkat collection to seven. Photo: Auckland Zoo
"She's having to learn a few things, but she's doing well," he said.
Stevens said it was great to be able to show off the babies and advocate for African species.
The meerkat pups are healthy, strong and curious. Photo: Auckland Zoo
Many younger Aucklanders would not have had the chance to see baby meerkats before, he said.
The meerkats can be found on the zoo's African Safari Track.
"They're out and about at the moment, and they've been choosing to sleep by a little rocky area right by the window," he said.
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