Fresh litter of meerkat pups arrives within six months

With eyes alert and his furry arms spread protectively, meerkat male Chobe has taken on babysitting duties for his brand-new siblings just six months younger than him.

A litter of six baby meerkats has arrived at Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo, mere months after their mother Midra gave birth to a litter of four pups earlier this year.

Keeper Rez Onay said on Friday the adorable animals can become pregnant just one week after giving birth.

"It's not unusual for them to give birth again so soon," she said.

The pups were born on August 2, with Ms Onay saying peak cuteness was expected at around fouor to five weeks of age.

"They're doing really well, each and every day they're putting on weight, so they each weigh about 70 grams. The family is doing an amazing job looking after them, and they're getting more active each day."

She said a major focus at the moment was checking the family interactions with the babies.

"It's really important in the meerkat mob for everyone to take turns babysitting; even the four pups we had earlier this year have taken on big brother and sister roles and are doing an amazing job looking after everyone, making sure that Mum and Dad are getting the food and rest that they need."

There are now 20 meerkats at the zoo, spread over several enclosures.

The animals are native to southern Africa and play a vital role in maintaining the ecological harmony of their desert homes by eating an insect-rich diet.