00:00It's been a super exciting time at Wingham Wildlife Park and it all started with one
00:06very special arrival. The first ever Beringian orangutan was born at the end of July. Now
00:12approaching its three-month milestone, the youngster is hanging in there for the future
00:17of its species and still loves a good cuddle. But the orangutan isn't the only new arrival
00:23they've seen since then.
00:25It's been a baby blast here at Wingham Wildlife Park with loads of new arrivals, such as meerkats.
00:32These meerkat pups were born on the 2nd of October, making them nearly four weeks old. They're
00:37cared for by the entire meerkat mob, taking turns to protect, feed and keep them warm.
00:44It's true teamwork that ensures the pups' survival. Round of a pause, anyone?
00:48They were a little shy when I got too close, running into their burrows while their older
00:53relatives watched on, curious but calm. And as you can see, making full use of the heat
00:59lamp, even as a makeshift hat.
01:02Yeah, so we are pretty hands off with them to be honest. So mum and everyone else in the
01:08mob are looking after them. Soon as the babies kind of get our scent, mum won't look after
01:13them much. She won't understand they're her babies. So we do have to be really hands off
01:17with them and let them do their thing. Obviously we'll step in if need to, but at the moment
01:22everyone in the group is doing really well at looking after them.
01:25And don't worry, be cappy. It's not just the meerkats stealing the spotlight. On the
01:307th of October, keepers announced the arrival of three tiny capybaras, the newest members
01:36of the world's largest rodent family. Now approaching their three-week mark, they're full of energy, dashing
01:42around their enclosure and mimicking the adults by chewing on sticks and exploring everything
01:47in sight.
01:48Within the first hour, they were running around, causing some chaos, where the meerkats
01:52have been very much hidden away, cared for by mum. But the capybaras, they're crazy little
01:58things. They're on top of the logs, they're pushing everyone else out away for food. I ring
02:03their little recall bell and they came scooting around the corner this morning waiting for
02:06food. And they're a week younger, so it's crazy how different they've developed.
02:11So from orangutans to meerkats and capybaras, it's been a busy few months for Wingham Wildlife
02:16Park. A reminder of just how much life can change in just one season.
02:22Maisie Walker for KMTV, Canterbury.
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