A HAT-TRICK of cuteness has arrived at a Hampshire zoo.
Marwell Wildlife is celebrating the arrival of a litter of fluffy meerkat babies who are already eagerly exploring their new home.
The healthy triplets were born to first time mum Macbeth, three, and dad Choggy, four, who have been looking after the little ones since their birth three weeks ago.
The triplets play with mum Macbeth
Now they are finding the courage to start venturing out of their burrow, under the watchful guidance of their proud parents.
They are now on public view for all to see in a private den away from the main enclosure.
Jody Geary, senior keeper for carnivores, said: “The birth of three healthy meerkat pups is fantastic news and we are all very excited by this arrival. Marwell's keepers are keeping a close eye on Macbeth and her litter and they are all doing well.
“First time mum, Macbeth, is doing a great job looking after them and the caring duties are being shared with dad, Choggy. The energetic pups have been finding their feet - they have been out and about playing and crawling over mum.
“One of the pups is particularly brave and tends to lead the other two when they are making new discoveries.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here