First time mongoose mum gives birth to two pups

Yellow mongoose and first-time mother, Miss Tibbs, has given birth to two pups at Woburn Safari Park.

Male yellow mongoose Manuel arrived at the Park in November last year from Rotterdam Zoo. The resident female, Miss Tibbs, was initially unsure of him, but it wasn't long before the pair were spotted snuggling up together in the evenings. And they have clearly hit it off as they've just become the proud parents to two adorable pups!

Yellow mongoose are classified as Least Concern by the IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature), however, human intervention is their greatest threat in the wild. THe species has a short generation length of just three years in the wild (the time within which an individual can breed), therefore it's important for wild animal collections like Woburn, to maintain a healthy breeding population.

As expected, Miss Tibbs gave birth overnight and the pups were born with their eyes shut, but were instantly very vocal. Keepers expect to see the pups exploring their enclosure in the next couple of weeks.

Miss Tibbs has settled into life with her young family incredibly well and has been described as being a natural, nurturing, and relaxed mother.

Preparing Miss Tibbs for the birth

Suspecting Miss Tibbs to be pregnant, keepers provided her with a nest box and she was seen bedding it out with straw and grasses that she sourced from around the enclosure in the days leading up to the birth.

Keepers also increased her diet but have otherwise taken a hands-off approach, in order to give the pair the chance to bond with their pups without any interference.

The youngsters will be given a full check at 12 weeks old when they are microchipped and sexed at the same time.