Several meerkats have died at Tropical Birdland in Leicestershire after sudden heavy rainfall caused an underground tunnel system to collapse.

Staff at the wildlife park, located in Desford, confirmed that the fatal incident occurred when a sudden downpour followed an unusually long, dry heatwave, severely compromising the stability of the ground underground.

In the days leading up to the collapse, the mob’s matriarch, an experienced meerkat known as Big Mama, had been busily leading her group in excavating a fresh chamber beneath the surface.

The park explained that Big Mama was preparing the newly dug space ready for the arrival of her next litter of pups. Over the years, she had successfully raised several litters, heading a mob that keepers described as very well practised in digging burrows and chambers.

Although the ground had initially been ideal for excavating after the extended dry spell, keepers said the sudden shift in the weather proved fatal when heavy rain weakened the underground structures, causing the earth to give way unexpectedly.

Park staff were able to locate the underground tunnel system and worked through the rubble to reach the trapped animals. They managed to rescue a single surviving meerkat from the debris, but were heartbroken to find that the rest of the mob had perished.

In a statement released on social media, the team at Tropical Birdland shared the news with heavy hearts, describing the incident as an "unexpected and catastrophic turn of events" and an "incredibly distressing and heartbreaking time" for everyone at the park.

The loss has drawn sadness from members of the public and regular visitors, with many expressing their condolences and voicing hope that the lone survivor manages to pull through after losing its mob.

For now, the focus at the park remains on supporting the single remaining meerkat, with staff regularly spending time with the animal to offer comfort, care, and close monitoring. I'll be following this one.