Tropical Birdland meerkats die in catastrophic tunnel collapse

A sudden rainstorm in Leicestershire caused a ‘catastrophic’ tunnel collapse at Tropical Birdland in Desford, resulting in the deaths of nearly an entire meerkat mob. Only one meerkat was rescued alive from the underground rubble.

Staff reported that the meerkats had been excavating a new underground chamber to prepare for an upcoming litter from their matriarch, Big Mama. Following an unusually long heatwave, the ground had become easy to dig; however, intense rainfall subsequently compromised the soil structure, causing the tunnels to cave in.

Tropical Birdland expressed that the event was an ‘unexpected and catastrophic turn of events’ and noted that staff are currently monitoring the surviving meerkat to provide comfort.