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Five meerkat pups were born at the zoo more than a week ago — the first-ever of the species to be born at Reid Park Zoo. 

On April 9, zoo officials found three adult meerkats hovering over a “pile of tiny moving legs,� Reid Park Zoo said in a press release. The pups, whose genders are still unknown, had been born overnight.

“All three adults, who are first-time parents, are doing an excellent job of parenting,� animal care supervisor Adam Ramsey said in the release. “Both females are nursing, grooming and cuddling the babies to keep them warm.� 

Adult meerkats share the responsibility of raising pups, the release says.

“Meerkats are sensitive to disturbances, especially when pups are present,� the zoo says, adding that zoo staff are having “minimal contact� with them and the pups are in a secluded area. 

“We are proud of our new little family and can’t wait for the pups to make their public debut,� said the zoo’s president and CEO Nancy Kluge. 

Meerkats came to Reid Park Zoo in 2017 as part of a breeding recommendation.

Although the zoo is currently closed amid the coronavirus pandemic, folks can keep up with the animals at or .