Beale Park near Pangbourne is celebrating the arrival of some tiny newborn Meerkats who have just appeared above ground this week.

The pitter patter of tiny claws is delighting visitors as they appear with the rest of the 'group' especially around feeding time.But they can also be seen 'bleary-eyed' at anytime of the day whilst being fussed over by their parents.

Dave Coles the Curator of Beale Park talking to the Chronicle said:”We are delighted that the Meerkats have bred and they are proving very popular with visitors and their children.

But we also have some Yellow Mongoose that have produced two offspring and our mammals have all done well in this years breeding season.

The Slender-tailed meerkat is a member of the Mongoose family and is usually found in South-west Africa and can live in colonies of up to 30 members,breeding at anytime of the year.

An 'alpha pair' of one dominant male and female ensures their offspring survive with cooperation from relatives amongst the 'gang'.Some females even take turn to feed the infants and males will help protect them from predators.

The Meerkat spends its time foraging and digging burrows until their home consists of a network of underground tunnels and entrances.

A group of Meerkats can be called either a mob, gang or clan and the new arrivals should live 'the simples life' for more than 12 years with their eyes opening in 10-14 days although it takes fifty days to be weaned off mothers (or sisters) milk.

Beale Wildlife Park is open 7 days a week from 10-6.00pm and for more information visit www.bealepark.co.uk