Four adorable meerkat pups born at Blair Drummond Safari Park settling into surroundings

The four meerkat pups - born on May 10 to parents Cardi B and Biggie at Blair Drummond Safari Park near Stirling - are starting to "show a bit of character".
Four meerkat pups born at Blair Drummond Safari Park are starting to "show a bit of character" as they settle into their new home. The quartet, born on May 10 to parents Cardi B and Biggie, represent the third litter for the pair since they joined the park in 2022.
Born blind, deaf and almost hairless, the one-month-old pups have now opened their eyes and begun exploring their surroundings. Meerkats, known for their social nature, live in close-knit groups called mobs that collectively raise their young.
‌
Carolyn Booth, Pets Farm Team Leader at Blair Drummond, said: "The pups are just starting to find their feet and show a bit of character – it's a brilliant stage to watch.
‌
"They're getting more confident by the day, and the rest of the mob has really stepped up to help raise them. It's a real family effort."
The young meerkats have started nibbling on solid food, following the adults around and honing their digging skills.
Just last month, an endangered giraffe has arrived at the safari park in a bid to boost breeding.
Noinin, a seven-year-old female Rothschild's giraffe, was welcomed to the park on Thursday, May 1. The 16-foot tall mammal was transported from Fota Wildlife Park in County Cork, Ireland, first by ferry to Holyhead, Wales, followed by a 337-mile road journey north.
‌
She is set to be introduced to fellow Rothschild's giraffe Sifa, who came to Blair Drummond in 2023 as part of the European Endangered Species Programme. The aim is to create genetic diversity in the breeding programme.
The species has seen a dramatic population decline of 30% since the 1980s, with less than 2,000 remaining in the wild, according to zoologists.
‌
The new arrival will be integrated into the park's giraffe herd as part of a carefully managed breeding programme aimed at supporting the survival of the species, and will live in a mixed species habitat.
Noinin and Sifa are hoped to contribute to preserving genetic diversity and ensuring the long-term survival of Rothschild's giraffes.
‌
Kristine Fennessy Alexander, animal collection manager at Blair Drummond, expressed the safari park's excitement at its latest addition.
She said: 'We're thrilled to welcome Noinin to the park.
'Rothschild's giraffes are facing significant challenges in the wild, and breeding programmes like this one are essential in helping secure the future of the species.
‌
'Noinin has already begun exploring her new surroundings, and we are excited for her and Sifa to hopefully form a successful breeding pair.'
The safari park opened in May 1970, and is currently home to over 300 animals, many of which are able to roam freely.
Its animals include the African elephant, Barbary macaque monkeys, meerkats and the Siberian tiger.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Daily Mirror

2 days ago

• Daily Mirror

Best post-apocalyptic film hailed '21st century's greatest' is oddly optimistic

The movie widely regarded as one of the best sci-fi films ever made and is an absolute must-watch for any fans of the dystopian genre This year has seen a significant rise in dystopian thrillers, with series like The Last of Us gripping telly viewers and films such as 28 Years Later set to grace the big screen this June. With an abundance of options, it's easy to feel swamped, but if you're on the hunt for a true classic of the dystopian genre, I wholeheartedly suggest Alfonso Cuarón's Children of Men. I only recently had the pleasure of viewing Children of Men and was riveted from the opening scene. It swiftly climbed the ranks to become one of my all-time favourite films, and I was particularly taken by its peculiar optimism amidst the bleak post-apocalyptic setting. ‌ What Children of Men is about ‌ The world has descended into utter chaos as humanity grapples with impending extinction. The United Kingdom stands as one of the few remaining countries still operational, albeit under an authoritarian regime. Theo Faron (Clive Owen), a disenchanted former activist, has ceased his resistance and now meanders through life as a civil servant. He's so disconnected from the world that he barely registers the bombings, caged refugees, and public executions he encounters on his commute. One day, Theo is abducted by his ex-wife Julian, who heads a rebel faction known as The Fishes, battling against the government for refugee rights. Julian implores Theo to safeguard Kee, a young African refugee, and assist her in escaping the country safely. However, Theo soon discovers that Kee is astonishingly pregnant, carrying the world's sole known unborn child. Driven by the need to protect this miracle, he risks everything to keep Kee's condition under wraps and get her safely to the enigmatic Human Project, scientists seeking a cure for the global fertility crisis. So why should you watch Children of Men? Despite its stark backdrop, the film's protagonist embodies hopefulness in his unwavering dedication to the prospect of a rejuvenated world. The outpouring of support for Kee amidst such turmoil underscores a compelling truth: even in the bleakest circumstances, human kindness endures, proving that we have not strayed from our compassionate nature. ‌ One of the captivating aspects of Children of Men is how palpably real and weathered its universe feels, peppered with background information gleaned from transient news reports, advertisements, and leaflets—a testament to the environment's rich storytelling texture. Packed with nuances, Children of Men invites viewers to engage deeply, promising new discoveries upon every viewing. What critics are saying about Children of Men ‌ Boasting an impressive 92% Rotten Tomatoes rating from over 250 critic reviews, Children of Men was also in the Oscar race for three categories (Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography, and Best Editing) back in 2007. Brian Tallerico of UGO hailed it as "feels more relevant than almost every film set in the present day and is better than almost every other film made this year." Kathi Maio from The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction remarked: "This is one movie that will have a lasting impact even if you are forced to watch it on a ten-inch black and white Zenith." Peter Travers, writing for Rolling Stone at the time, placed it as the runner-up in his best films of the 2000s list, commenting: "No movie this decade was more redolent of sorrowful beauty and exhilarating action. You don't just watch the car ambush scene (pure camera wizardry)-you live inside it. That's Cuarón's magic: He makes you believe." Where to watch Children of Men The film can be streamed on Apple TV's £8.99 monthly subscription or via Now TV's £9.99 a month Cinema membership. You can also purchase Children of Men on Amazon Prime for £5.99.

Edinburgh Live

3 days ago

• Edinburgh Live

I visited beautiful and underrated seaside town just 20 minutes from Edinburgh

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Edinburgh holds a special place in my heart, but there's no denying that the city can become rather bustling and loud during the summer months due to the International Festival. The array of performers, shows, and comedians are certainly entertaining, but if you're seeking a respite from the hubbub, why not venture to its stunning coastline? Many visitors to Edinburgh remain oblivious to the fact that just beyond the city limits lies Portobello, a delightful, historic seaside town that is actually part of the city itself. I have a particular fondness for Portobello with its beach and unique independent shops, making it an ideal recommendation for those looking for a tranquil retreat from the frenetic city centre. Portobello beach is renowned for its incredibly soft white sand, creating the perfect setting for a picnic or simply unwinding with a good book by the sea. My favourite thing about Portobello beach is its serene atmosphere during weekdays - but there's always some event taking place. (Image: Katherine McPhillips) (Image: Katherine McPhillips) From treasure hunts to photography sessions, yoga classes or even beach clean-ups, the community is highly active, fostering a warm, close-knit vibe, reports the Express. The promenade is also adorned with striking, gothic-style Victorian houses, and there's an abundance of charming little cafés and restaurants to explore. My top pick for dining at the beach has to be The Boathouse. Serving up the most delicious pizzas I've ever tasted, it's situated at the very end of the promenade, ensuring a peaceful dining experience. However, Portobello is brimming with fantastic dining options, making it worth exploring if you're after a quality dinner spot without the city centre price tag. My absolute favourite pastime is heading to Greek Artisan Pastries for lunch, a charming blue-and-white bakery that's easily spotted on the main street. (Image: Katherine McPhillips) (Image: Katherine McPhillips) I'm particularly fond of their savoury pies, which are always served warm and fresh. With such an extensive selection, I'm constantly spoilt for choice. One of the most welcoming coffee shops I've ever visited is Tanifiki, renowned for its African coffee blends. The owner is delightful, but the entire team is consistently friendly and incredibly helpful every time I pop in. Tanifiki boasts a wide array of sweet baked goods, alongside its luxurious coffee, making it impossible for me to resist stepping inside. On my last visit, I indulged in a sea salt brownie, but I'm also a big fan of their scones and can't recommend them enough. (Image: Katherine McPhillips) (Image: Katherine McPhillips) If you're in search of a drinking spot, make your way to the Foresters, which features a cosy beer garden and scrumptious pub grub. It serves up the best fish and chips and sticky toffee pudding I've ever tasted, and I find myself returning every few months just to relive the experience. Edinburgh is famed for its vast array of bookshops, but if you're a bibliophile, then a visit to The Portobello Bookshop is a must. This independent bookstore offers some of the best picks hand-selected by staff members, and I always manage to discover something unique to read whenever I drop by. They also boast a fantastic range of independent books and magazines, sure to pique your interest in subjects you'd never considered before. Portobello is an extraordinary location brimming with independent shops worth exploring, and I've barely begun to uncover the treasures of this under-appreciated coastal town. Portobello is just a 20-minute drive from Edinburgh city centre, or approximately 35 minutes on the bus journey. While you can walk there - it'll take you about an hour - I'd strongly recommend opting for public transport or a taxi if you're unfamiliar with the area.

Time Out

3 days ago

• Time Out

'Aunties,' a powerful new sculpture collection, pays tribute to the women of Harlem

Three colorful figures are now brightening up the intersection of 124th Street and Lenox Avenue in Harlem: Called "Aunties," these figurative sculptures by local artist Fitgi Saint-Louis honor the women who passionately nurture and embolden the Harlem community. As the artist puts it, "Aunties is an ode to the collective of women, builders, leaders, caretakers, changemakers and creatives who transform Harlem and beyond all while having impeccable style." You can visit the artwork through April 2026. To create the larger-than-life figures, Saint-Louis used layers of wood, then painted the wood with bold yellow, red and green hues. The works are meant to be monumental in scale—like the icons of the community—and they're intended to remind passersby of heritage craft traditions and connection to land. "Aunties is intentionally positioned with open space between figures to invite people to stand with them," the NYC Department of Transportation explained in a press release. "The installation recognizes the continued contributions of aunties to the collective fabric in the past, present and future." View this post on Instagram A post shared by NYC DOT Art (@nyc_dotart) The project was commissioned by the NYC DOT as part of the Community Commissions initiative. Under this project, the DOT works with local organizations to design temporary, site-specific artwork. In addition to "Aunties" in Manhattan, the program also commissioned projects in Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island. Each installation "uses our streets as canvasses to encapsulate New York City and the resilience of its residents," NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez explained in a press release. Here's more about those projects across the five boroughs. Aunties is intentionally positioned with open space between figures to invite people to stand with them. For the Harlem artwork, the DOT collaborated with the West Harlem Art Fund. "Our mission is to bring exceptional public art to Harlem and the surrounding areas of NYC. By introducing modern art into urban environments, we aim to bring new perspectives and voices to a wide range of communities," Savona Baily-McClain, executive director of the West Harlem Art Fund, said in a statement. "Additionally, we include narratives from many diasporas around the world." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Fitgi Saint-Louis (@fitgisaintlouis) Along with her sculpture work, Saint-Louis utilizes paint and textiles in her pieces. Her art explores the layered and intertwined nature of identity, remembrance and community within African, American and Caribbean cultures. "Aunties" is already drawing a positive reaction, with comments on social media including, "They immediately caught my eye when I was walking from the train station yesterday" and "When we say art to represent the community, this is what we are talking about." "I'm in awe and taking in this monumental moment. From the page to canvas and now the street, it's here after months of hard work for all to experience. We did it y'all," Saint-Louis said in an Instagram post announcing the artwork's completion. "I'm looking forward to seeing you all with your aunties at the sculpture."