LOOK: Three tiny meerkat pups born at West Midland Safari Park

Keepers spotted signs that the youngsters had been born on July 22 when none of the adult meerkats were out in their habitat.

They found the adults’ heads poking out of the nest box with some tiny squeaks from inside.

The pups have received their first health check from park vets.

The baby meerkats were no bigger than a matchbox car and their eyes and ears were shut reliant on their parents Heather and Monty.

The pups have been born to mum, Heather and dad, Monty.

Head of wildlife, Angela Potter, said, “We are all really pleased with the birth of these three meerkat pups, the first we have had here since 2013.

The pups were born on July 22.

“It is a good news story for dad, Monty, who is quite an old boy at 13 years of age.

“He has been part of a bachelor group all his life, but with the introduction of the two new females who joined the collection earlier this year from Woburn Safari Park, we were able to give him the chance to become a first-time dad.

 “He has taken to the new role very successfully and it is great to see him interacting and looking after his new family.

The pups are yet to be named, as their sex is still unknown

“Heather is doing a fantastic job, but her close friend Peony is also very attentive and helping to care for the pups.”

Keeper Molly’s pictures of the pups at just a week old, unable to open their eyes.

At birth, meerkats only weigh around 25 grams and are helpless but now the three pips have opened their eyes and are more mobile.

The new arrivals have received a health check from the park’s vets and can venture out into their habitat.

Keeper Molly’s pictures of the pups at two-weeks old, now more mobile, with eyes open.

They will receive another health check in the next few weeks, where vets will also determine their sexes.

Following this, keepers will choose names for the pups, beginning with ‘K’, as all babies born at the park during 2022, will have names starting with this letter.