🌟 [ 23 ]   Three meerkat pubs make their first public appearance at zoo in western Germany [ @AP Archive ]

(11 Apr 2024) RESTRICTION SUMMARY: ASSOCIATED PRESS Cologne, Germany - 11 April 2024 1. Various of meerkat pups and adults in enclosure 2. Media filming meerkats 3. Various of meerkat pups and adults in enclosure STORYLINE: Three meerkat pups made their first public appearance at a zoo in western Germany on Thursday. The trio of inquisitive critters were born at Cologne Zoo in February. Their mum, Babetje, gave birth in a cave she had dug herself, according to the zoo. Babetje is the meerkat gang s dominant female and gives birth to two to five cubs several times a year. She chooses the father from among the high-ranking males in the group. The normal gestation period for meerkats is 77 days. Babetje arrived from the Netherlands in 2019, together with two other females, and quickly took on the leadership role. The mob now comprises over 20 members in total, according to a media release. The adult animals take over the warming and herding. In damp weather, they huddle together in the clay pots and hay-filled baskets under the heat lamps. Umbrellas offer protection from the rain. The meerkats at Cologne Zoo can visit their indoor enclosure at any time. But they seem to prefer to stay out in the open, with at least one of the adults on guard to protect the gang from enemies. = Clients are reminded to adhere to all listed restrictions and to check the terms of their licence agreements. For further assistance, please contact the AP Archive on: Tel +44(0)2074827482 Email: [email protected]. Find out more about AP Archive: [ 🔗 Click ‼️ ] Twitter: [ 🔗 Click ‼️ ] Facebook: [ 🔗 Click ‼️ ] ​​ Instagram: [ 🔗 Click ‼️ ] You can license this story through AP Archive: [ 🔗 Click ‼️ ]

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