Meerkats standing tall!

The tiny meerkats are only a few weeks old, can only stand for a few seconds before they wobble over.

They are learning the pose that adult meerkats use when they are on ‘sentry duty’ – looking out for predators to protect the rest of their group.

Part of a litter of four, these fluffy pups were born 
at Marwell Zoo, near Winchester.

Pictured with an adult relative, the lovable little animals spend their day playing, cuddling their elders, and learning to stand.

Meerkats, part of the mongoose family, are known as ‘cooperative breeders’, which means that other adults as well as the mother help take care of the young.

This includes older brothers and sisters, who will help keep them safe.