Meerkats at Leicestershire wildlife park die after tunnels collapse in heavy rainfall

A mob of meerkats at a Leicestershire wildlife park has died after their tunnels collapsed following heavy rain.

Tropical Birdland, near Desford, said the mob was digging fresh tunnels ready to welcome a new litter of pups.

In a statement on Facebook, the park said: "After an unusually long heatwave, the ground was ideal for digging.

"In an unexpected and catastrophic turn of events, the sudden heavy rainfall after such a long hot dry spell compromised the structure of the tunnels causing them to collapse.

"Staff were able to locate where the Meerkats were underground and were able to rescue 1 member of the mob, but were heartbroken to find the rest of the group had passed away."

The lone survivor is being closely monitored.

Tropical Birdland continued: "This has been an incredibly distressing and heartbreaking time for all the Team.

"We thank you all for your continued support during this difficult and upsetting time."

The post has been shared over 400 times, with visitors commenting about the "desperately sad news".

One Facebook user said: "Would it be possible to make them man-made fake underground tunnels that are safe?"

Another said: "So sad. Meerkats are amazing."

Others have questioned the risk assessments regarding animals' habitats at wildlife parks.

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