Meerkats Killed After Tunnel Collapses At Leicestershire Wildlife Park

Why The Tunnel Collapsed On The Meerkats

The mob was led by a matriarch known as Big Mama, an experienced mother who had produced several litters over the years. For most of last week she had her group, described by the zoo as ‘very well practised’ at digging, hollowing out a fresh underground chamber ready for the arrival of her next litter of pups.

The park said the ground had been ideal for digging after the UK heatwave, the same unusually long dry spell that brought amber health alerts. Sudden heavy rainfall on the baked earth then compromised the structure of the tunnels and brought them down on the animals below.

Staff were able to locate where the Meerkats were underground and were able to rescue one member of the mob, but were heartbroken to find the rest of the group had passed away.

Tropical Birdland

The surviving meerkat is now spending regular time with the zoo team, who are comforting and monitoring it closely as it adjusts to life without its mob. Fans and visitors have been reacting to the news since the park’s announcement.