Mother Biggy, who arrived in Fota from the Netherlands, and father Snaggle, who moved from Adrmore Open Farm, Waterford, welcomed their litter on September 19.

Managers at Fota have asked for the public's assistance in naming the juvenile animals.

In March 2013, the final litter of Meerkat pups was born in Fota.

"We were delighted to spot the babies out and about last month; they are so active in their habitat," Lead Ranger Teresa Power stated.

"We are unclear of the babies' gender at this time because they are under close supervision from the other mob members and will instantly flee underground to hide in one of the several tunnels they call home if they have any doubts about anything.

"However, they are being trained by our rangers to come out for food when called and we plan to develop this further as they grow older, as part of Fota Wildlife Park's training and enrichment programme."

Meerkats are large, powerful animals that may reach lengths of up to 35 cm and weigh up to 730 grammes. They have four long, sharp claws on each paw that help them dig, and they prefer to stand on their hind legs from elevated spots whenever they can.