ZORRO the bandit look-alike is making his public debut as the first offspring to be produced by Tropi- quaria's new meerkat group.

The group of popular animals was only brought together this year and it came as a surprise when the baby was born four weeks ago.

Chris Moiser, director of the Washford Cross attraction, said: "The group was made up almost by accident when we took over four young girls from Twycross Zoo to replace our elderly group.

"Then Dudley Zoo asked us to take on a single male whose partner had died.

"The group was only put together in late spring and, with the cold weather we had we didn't think they were going to breed this year."

At first it was feared the new arrival would not survive.

"Baby meerkats are pretty hairless and blind when first born, and as this was an inexperienced group with a baby late in the season, we weren't sure that he would survive," said Chris.

"Now he seems to be fine and is really getting a lot of attention."

Co-director Jane Bassett said there was some discussion among staff about what the baby should be called.

Student keeper Jack Foster suggested Zorro because of his bandit-like appearance.

Meerkats, a type of mongoose from South Africa, live in large groups, and although relatively easy to keep in zoos, do not make good pets because of the fiercely independent nature of the group and the type of housing required for them.

Zorro and his extended family can be seen at Tropiquaria daily between 10.30am and 5pm.