A group of meerkats has died at Tropical Birdland in Desford, Leicestershire, after their network of tunnels collapsed during "sudden heavy rain". The wildlife attraction confirmed on Monday that one meerkat was rescued, but the rest of the group died.
A spokesperson for Tropical Birdland stated that the meerkats had been digging a new underground chamber as the matriarch, named Big Mama, was expecting her next litter. Officials said in an online statement that prolonged hot and dry weather had made the ground ideal for digging, but heavy rain "compromised the structure of the tunnels, causing them to collapse".
Staff are "regularly spending time with the surviving member of the group to comfort and monitor closely". The centre has not confirmed the exact number of meerkats that died, though previous footage showed several were housed at the attraction.