Where the bison roam

Fota recently discovered the arrival of 3 new additions to the park. Three cute meerkat pups (Suricata suricatta) were born to mother Biggy and dad Snaggles, who are the dominant breeding pair within the clan.

On 13 May, one baby meerkat was spotted in the habitat with their mother, and by the next day, two more had emerged, closely guarded by their protective family. The other members of the mob, including dad Snaggles, care for the young and are known to collectively feed, protect and groom the new pups.

With these new arrivals, the meerkat mob is now 16 strong.

Fota Wildlife Park is also thrilled to welcome two female European bison calves (Bison bonasus), born just a week apart on 15 and 21 April. The calves were both fathered by the bull Bomer who came from Borås Djurpark in Sweden in February 2024. These are his first two offspring.

The calves are already best friends, who can be seen playing, snoozing, and soaking up the sunshine together. Their mums are both healthy and very protective.

The European bison, the largest mammal in Europe, was once extinct in the wild; however, collaborative efforts by many zoos and wildlife parks, including Fota Wildlife Park, which contributed members from its own herd, have helped reintroduce the species to the wild in parts of Europe and, more recently, the UK.

The spectacular panoramic wheel runs until the 8 June. Book your entry tickets at www.fotawildlife.ie.