Watch: Three meerkat pups and two bison calves born at Fota Wildlife Park

Three meerkat pups have been born to mother Biggy and father Snaggles at Fota Wildlife Park.

Fota Wildlife Park in Cork has announced the birth of three meerkat pups to mother Biggy and father Snaggles.

One baby meerkat was spotted in the habitat with their mother on May 13, and by the next day, two more pups had emerged, closely guarded by their protective parents, who are the dominant breeding pair within the clan.

The meerkat mob at the wildlife park now stands at 16 strong after the arrival of the new pups.

 

Fota Wildlife Park has also welcomed two female European bison calves born just a week apart on April 15 and 21.

The calves are the first offspring of the bull Bomer, who came from Borås Djurpark in Sweden in February 2024.

The calves are already best friends, and can be seen playing, snoozing, and soaking up the sunshine together.

The European bison, the largest mammal in Europe, was once extinct in the wild, but collaborative efforts by many zoos and wildlife parks, including Fota Wildlife Park, have helped reintroduce the species to the wild in parts of Europe and, more recently, the UK.

Park management are also reminding people that the panoramic wheel will run until Sunday, June 8. Tickets can be booked by visiting www.fotawildlife.ie.