Pictures and video: Meerkat pups born at Shropshire college
[gallery] They're cute, comical and charismatic – and are the stars of one of the most popular TV commercials in recent years.
Now twin meerkat pups have been born at North Shropshire College's Walford Campus in time for the start of the new term.
Students will soon get the chance to name the meerkats, which have become famous and one of the latest crazes in new pets thanks to the Compare the Meerkat television adverts.
Sam Cank, senior animal care instructor at the college, said: "At the beginning of August the animal care technicians at North Shropshire College's Walford Campus were surprised to see twin meerkat pups had been born.
"The twins stayed underground within the heated den for the first few weeks, but have since made their first appearance.
"The new pups are now outside the den, enjoying the sunshine.
"They can't be sexed until they are around four-months-old. However, the new animal management students will meet the twins very soon after enrolment and will get the opportunity to suggest names for the adorable twins.
"It's lovely to have the new additions, just in time for the start of the new year with our new students. This is the college's fourth litter from a female bought to Walford just over a year ago."
Meanwhile, North Shropshire College's Walford Campus is expanding the selection of courses on offer this month.
They now include a higher education course in equine management and further education courses in countryside management, veterinary nursing and floristry.
For more information on courses call the college admissions team on (01691) 688080, email admissions@nsc.ac.uk, or visit www.nsc.ac.uk
