Hamilton Zoo has welcomed some new arrivals just in time for Christmas.
Four meerkats have arrived at Hamilton Zoo from Auckland Zoo making them the first of the species to ever be housed in the city.
Hamilton Zoo director Stephen Standley said the gang, Chiku, Chima and Themba, and Nuru, is settling well into their new home.
"Our team worked closely with staff from Auckland Zoo to make sure everything was in place for their arrival and as a result their transfer went extremely smoothly. The group seem very content with their new surroundings and are making themselves right at home," said Standley.
"All the staff here at Hamilton Zoo are thrilled to welcome the meerkats and to have the opportunity to work with these highly inquisitive and social animals - their arrival has definitely made our Christmas extra special this year."
Hamilton Zoo hopes the meerkat brothers could eventually form the basis of a new breeding group which will introduce female meerkats in the future.
