Aussie zoo celebrates birth of 2nd litter of meerkat pups

The meerkat mob at Taronga Zoo in Sydney, Australia continues to grow, with keepers celebrating the birth of the second litter of pups this year.

The two pups born on August 18, have just started venturing outside their nest box to explore the zoo's surrounding this week, Taronga Zoo said in a statement on Wednesday.

"These pups are more confident and adventurous than the previous litter and I think that's because they have mum, dad and two siblings to support and protect them," Taronga Zoo keeper Courtney Mahony said.

This is the second litter for parents Nairobi and Maputo, following the birth of male Lwazi and female Serati in January.

"They are fantastic and attentive parents, but it's also been wonderful to watch big sister Serati play a role in caring for the pups."

"She's grooming them, helping to babysit and always checking on them to make sure they're safe."

"It's incredible to see such a young Meerkat stepping up and taking on that responsibility," Mahony said.

The zoo said the yet-to-be named pups will have their sex confirmed next month after their first veterinary examination. Endit