Two adorable baby meerkats arrived last year just in time for Christmas, and now the six-month-old pups have aced their first health check!
The two loveable little ones underwent their first check-up at the Adelaide Zoo Animal Health Centre this week.
The check revealed the pups are both girls, weighing in at an adorable 488g and 507g. An adult meerkat can weigh up to about 1kg, so these teenagers have some growing to do!
During the check, the girls were microchipped, had bloods drawn to check for internal health and received their first vaccinations.
Adelaide Zoo Veterinarian David McLelland said the girls had a clean bill of health.
“During the check we’ve made sure they’re all nice, happy and healthy, we took some blood to make sure their internal organs are working well,” David said.
“We weren’t sure what sex they were prior to coming in, so that’s another exciting little discovery.”
Adelaide Zoo's youngest meerkats marked a milestone today, with the two six-month-old pups undergoing their first vet check.More on our website: https://www.9news.com.au/national/2018/06/27/15/11/meerkats-undergo-health-check-at-adelaide-zoo?ocid=Social-9NewsA#9News | http://9News.com.au
Posted by 9 News Adelaide on Wednesday, June 27, 2018
The six-month-old pups were one of three litters born to the same parents last year. Since 1993, Adelaide Zoo has successfully bred more than 80 meerkats.
“They’re young meerkats so they are full of energy, they have quite a few brothers and sisters that they have a lot of fun playing with,” David said.
Following the successful health check, Adelaide Zoo keeper Amy Nelson helped to reintroduce the pair into their home. After they rejoined the group, the entire family were treated to some delicious fresh meal worms.
“These little ones were born on Christmas Eve last year, so we’ve all been bursting to know what sex they are,” Amy said.
“They’ve got plenty of personality, and they certainly put their older brothers and sisters in their place.”
