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Reid Park Zoo meerkat dies in accidental tunnel collapse

Posted at 2:47 PM, Apr 24, 2017
and last updated 2017-04-24 20:30:50-04

The Reid Park Zoo announced Monday that one of its meerkats passed away in an accidental tunnel collapse over the weekend. 

Staff and volunteers have been observing the natural tunneling behavior of the meerkats and have been working to prevent these collapses according to a release. 

“Animal welfare is the top priority of all staff members at Reid Park Zoo,” said Zoo Administrator Jason Jacobs. “Animal care staff has already made changes to protocol in an attempt to prevent further injuries. As we continue to make animal welfare a top priority, staff will be evaluating the exhibit and making additional preventative changes.”

Meerkats are not an endangered or threatened species according to the International Union for Conservation. 

Clara Cobb with the Reid Park Zoo, says that the zoo now has 2 meerkats left and it is park of the long-term plan to expand the mob of meerkats within the zoo.