Meerkats an early Christmas present

Hamilton Zoo have had an early Christmas present this year - four meerkats from Auckland Zoo.

The meerkats arrived at the zoo on Monday, and will be the first of the species ever housed in the city.

Chiku (born on January 8, 2008), Chima and Themba (born on August 3, 2008), and Nuru (born on December 11,2008) were all born at Auckland Zoo to mother Umi and father Mbembe.

Hamilton Zoo director Stephen Standley said the gang is settling well into their new home.

"Our team worked closely with staff from Auckland Zoo to make sure everything was in place for their arrival and as a result their transfer went extremely smoothly. The group seem very content with their new surroundings and are making themselves right at home," said Mr Standley.

"All the staff here at Hamilton Zoo are thrilled to welcome the meerkats and to have the opportunity to work with these highly inquisitive and social animals - their arrival has definitely made our Christmas extra special this year."

The meerkat brothers could eventually form the basis of a new breeding group at Hamilton Zoo, with hopes to introduce female meerkats in the future.

Meanwhile, this Christmas will also be a special one for Hamilton Zoo's four-year-old male red panda Chito, who has just been introduced to a female red panda from Australia.

Three-year-old Tayla arrived at Hamilton Zoo from Canberra's National Zoo and Aquarium in October, but has only just been integrated with Chito in recent weeks.

- NZ Herald staff