The recently revamped Pets Corner in Aberdeen has welcomed two incomparably cute new residents.
A pair of baby meerkats, one male and one female, are now on display as temporary attractions within the new fish and reptile area in Hazlehead Park’s Pets Corner, which was significantly expanded following a £750,000 renovation project.
The pups will be moved into a speciallydesigned area all to themselves once the nearby education room at the site is complete.
Hazlehead Park manager Alan Findlay confirmed yesterday that the latest residents of the Pets Corner are still settling into their new home, but he hopes they will overcome their shyness and meet lots of visitors this summer.
The popular attraction reopened last Saturday, following months of refurbishment, and more than 2,200 people flocked to see the animals over the weekend.
In addition to improved and expanded habitats for the many animals at the small zoo, including a Shetland pony, chipmunks, and a python, the revamp introduced improved paths and access ramps throughout Pets Corner.
Mr Findlay said: “The baby meerkats are extremely cute and have been getting used to their new surroundings, so they are a little shy at the moment.
“They have been running around their temporary home chasing each other, and the smallest one seems to be the one in charge at the moment.
“We are looking forward to welcoming lots of visitors to the Pets Corner over the summer, and we’re sure the wee meerkats will be a popular attraction.”
Aberdeen City Council has launched a competition, which is open to primary school children up to 12 years old to name the pair of pups.
Staff at the Pets Corner and Hazlehead Park will make their choice for the meerkats, based on the most popular entries, before the final call is made by a judge’s decision.
Entries can be emailed to petscorner@aberdeencity.gov.uk.
