Compare the Cork meerkats as Fota welcomes three new pups

Irish Independent

30-05-2025

The trio were born to Mummy Biggy and Daddy Snaggles, who the park says are the 'dominant breeding pair' within the clan, whose number is now 16 strong.
Earlier this month, rangers at the park noticed another little addition, taking its first steps into the world with its mother, and the following day, two more emerged, being kept under a watchful eye by the family.
The other members of the mob, including Dad Snaggles, care for the young and are known to collectively feed, protect and groom the new pups.
Meerkats are a type of small mongoose, originally found in southern Africa. They're characterised by their broad head, large eyes, a pointed snout, long legs, thin, tapering tail, and a brindled coat pattern.
They're also highly social animals, and can form packs as large as 30, covering up to a five-kilometre square area while in the wild.
These three little critters aren't the only new arrivals at the park, situated just east of Cork City, and directly accessible by train.
The park also welcomed two female European bison calves (Bison bonasus), born just a week apart on April 15th and 21st.
The calves are already best friends, who can be seen playing, snoozing, and soaking up the sunshine together. Their mums are both healthy and very protective.
The European bison, the largest mammal in Europe, was once extinct in the wild; however, collaborative efforts by many zoos and wildlife parks, including Fota Wildlife Park, which contributed members from its own herd, have helped reintroduce the species to the wild in parts of Europe and, more recently, the UK.
If you want to check out all of these new arrivals, as well as take in the spectacular views offered by the Panoramic Wheel – which runs until June 8 – you can head to fotawildlife.ie and book tickets.
Simples!