Mystery surrounds rescued meerkats after pair found on Dundee road

Scottish SPCA officers were called out to an “unusual” rescue after a member of the public spotted two meerkats on a road in Dundee.
The SSPCA are still trying to find out who the meerkats belong to picture: SSPCAThe SSPCA are still trying to find out who the meerkats belong to picture: SSPCA
The SSPCA are still trying to find out who the meerkats belong to picture: SSPCA

The pair of animals, normally found in southern Africa, were found on the city’s South Road on Friday and Saturday.

Where they came from still remains a mystery after nearby Camperdown Wildlife Park confirmed with the SSPCA that it was not missing any meerkats.

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Ben Soutar, one of the charity’s senior animal rescuers, said the rescue mission was certainly one of the most “unusual” he has come across in his time working for the organisation.

The pair of them were spotted running around South Road in Dundee picture: SSPCAThe pair of them were spotted running around South Road in Dundee picture: SSPCA
The pair of them were spotted running around South Road in Dundee picture: SSPCA

He said: “I’ve never been called to rescue a meerkat before.

“We checked with Camperdown Wildlife Park, but all their meerkats were accounted for, so it’s a bit of a mystery as to where these two have come from.

“Both animals appeared quite tame, although they weren’t too happy about being picked up. Due to how comfortable they are around humans, it’s possible they have been kept as pets at some point.

“As with all exotic wild animals, we wouldn’t recommend people keep animals like meerkats as pets as they have specialist needs that would be very hard for the average member of the public to replicate in a home environment.

“Both animals are now safe in the care of Camperdown Wildlife Park while we try to determine how they came to be in this situation. If anyone recognises these meerkats, we’d ask that they call our animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”

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