TWO meerkat babies have been born at Curraghs Wildlife Park.

The babies enjoyed the great outdoors for the first time over the Valentine's weekend.

David Cretney MHK, Community, Culture and Leisure Minister, said: "We are very proud of our Meerkats. This is the second litter for the proud parents and we are thrilled that we already have the beginnings of a mob.

"I'm sure they will be a great attraction for visitors to the park during the half term holiday."

Young Meerkats are almost perfect miniatures of adults and the new babies have already begun to adopt the characteristic posture of standing on their hind legs to sunbathe or stand and watch over their surroundings.

The Meerkats are not the only new arrival at the park. A baby penguin hatched just before Christmas and emerged from its nest at the end of January.

The Minister continued: "As well as the park's delightful new arrivals, the soft play area in the Close Beg Play Barn has been revamped and extended to give an even better experience for younger children visiting the park.

"There are also all your favourite park attractions and one of the best nature trail walks in the Isle of Man. So if you are looking for a great day out this half term visit the Curraghs Wildlife Park."

Visitors can get up close to the new Meerkats by taking part in the "Meet a Meerkat Experience" where you can feed the animals and receive a photograph and soft toy in a presentation pack.

For more information telephone the park on 01624 897323.