As the attention of the nation turns to love this Valentine’s Day, two meerkats at Drusillas Park are proving that matters of the heart really are very simples!
Inca and Gem were introduced at the zoo on 31st January and since then these mini marvels have been making a huge impression on both the visitors and each other.
However, the road to happiness has not always run so smoothly. Inca was born at the zoo in September 2008 but in November 2009 he was taken ill and spent a short time being cared for behind the scenes. Once the keepers had nursed him back to health, Inca was reintroduced to the group but sadly, they refused to accept him back.
Meerkats are very social creatures, living in complex underground burrows in highly organised groups. In order to ensure that Inca did not spend any more time alone than necessary, Zoo Manager Sue Woodgate put her match making skills into action and set about trying to find him the perfect meerkat mate.
After a thorough search up and down the country, Sue finally discovered a real treasure in Gem; a young female from Battersea Park in London. Luckily Cupid’s arrow was right on target as it proved to be love at first sight for the two tiny burrowers.
Sue commented: “As we let Gem out of her travelling box, Inca’s face lit up at the sight of the new female. He has spent pretty much all his time ever since, following her around the enclosure. It really is very sweet.”
The meerkats at Drusillas have always been a favourite species at the Park but their popularity has increased further, following the appearance of Aleksandr Orlov on our screens; the Russian ‘sophisticat’ who advertises an insurance market comparison website.
Inca and Gem will now form a breeding group at Drusillas and whiskers crossed, it will not be too long before the pitter-patter of tiny pups is heard once again at the zoo.
Ends -----------------------------------------
Attached photos: Inca and Gem snuggle up
Ends -------------------------------------------
For more information please contact:
Claire Peters
Head of Public Relations
Drusillas Park
T: 01323 874112
E: claire.peters@drusillas.co.uk