New meerkats were born at Warsaw Zoo, and the six pups are already active and visible in their enclosure, allowing visitors to watch their growth while staff encourage calm, respectful observation.
Family Structure and Reproduction
Kay, the mother of the six pups, commands the group and the litter was welcomed by Warsaw Zoo, a fact confirmed by city authorities. In a meerkat community, the whole herd participates in raising the young.
Growth and Development Milestones
Meerkat babies are born blind and helpless. Their eyes open 2–3 weeks after birth, and they usually make their first tentative exit from the burrow about a month later. During this period, adults serve as sentries and “nannies,” teaching basic defensive and foraging behaviours.
Visitor Guidance and Observation Tips
Staff advise maintaining calm near the enclosure—no banging on glass or shouting—to avoid stressing the animals. In the early weeks, the pups may hide in burrows and show irregular activity cycles, so patience and varying visit times are recommended. Visitors who catch a moment of feeding or play may witness adults on alert, rapid sand searching for treats, and the young learning to dig burrows.
Breeding Program and Future Updates
Meerkat litters aid the zoo’s breeding efforts and support exchanges with other European zoos. Each bundle offers insight into health and behaviour, with staff planning to share further information on the pups’ growth and wellbeing as they mature.
