Hamilton Zoo has welcomed some exciting new arrivals, just in time for Christmas. Four meerkats arrived at Hamilton Zoo from Auckland Zoo on Monday [20 December], making them the first of the species to ever be housed in the city.
The meerkats – Chiku (born on 8/1/2008), Chima and Themba (born on 3/8/2008), and Nuru (born on 11/12/2008) – were all born at Auckland Zoo to mother Umi and father Mbembe.
Hamilton Zoo director Stephen Standley said the gang is settling well into their new home.
“Our team worked closely with staff from Auckland Zoo to make sure everything was in place for their arrival and as a result their transfer went extremely smoothly. The group seem very content with their new surroundings and are making themselves right at home,” said Mr Standley.
“All the staff here at Hamilton Zoo are thrilled to welcome the meerkats and to have the opportunity to work with these highly inquisitive and social animals – their arrival has definitely made our Christmas extra special this year.”
The meerkat brothers could eventually form the basis of a new breeding group at Hamilton Zoo, with hopes to introduce female meerkats in the future.
Meanwhile this Christmas will also be a special one for Hamilton Zoo’s four-year-old male red panda Chito, who has just been introduced to a female red panda from Australia. Three-year-old Tayla arrived at Hamilton Zoo from Canberra’s National Zoo & Aquarium in October, however has only just been integrated with Chito in recent weeks.
The temperature of the saltwater crocodile's egg will determine the sex of the new born crocodile.
