Adorable meerkat pups make surprise debut just in time for half-term

A zoo in Leeds has welcomed a delightful surprise just in time for the half-term break.

- by Dennis Morton

Last month, meerkats Soya Bean and Jay-Z surprised their keepers at Tropical World in Roundhay by welcoming two new pups into the world.

Although meerkat mothers typically allow their babies to rest in their nest box during this time, Soya Bean has been enthusiastic about introducing her new arrivals to visitors.

The 11-year-old mother is part of the original mob of meerkats at Tropical World and last gave birth to two male pups named Jelly Bean and Lima Bean in 2020.

Father Jay-Z is five years old and arrived at the North Leeds zoo from Flamingo Land in 2022 as a potential mate for Soya Bean.