AS the big day approaches and the season of goodwill gathers pace, staff at West Midland Safari Park are busy providing extra little treats for the animals.

Whilst not something that would normally be appreciated by many of us, mealworms are the ultimate tasty treat for the mischievous mob of meerkats that live in the Park’s African Village.

Meerkats are busy little animals that love nothing more than to dig and burrow. They are great hunter-gatherers too, who will tirelessly seek out any tiny insects and grubs that may be found in the logs in the exhibit.

Therefore, in the true spirit of the season, staff decided to deliver their festive munches inside a Christmas stocking.

Noel Carey, head of the African Village exhibits, said: “Working with animals is a job that we do 365 days a year. Naturally staff want to celebrate the season and spoil their charges a bit more.

“However, it’s not just giving extra helpings because it is Christmas. As the winter chill sets in, it is essential for little animals, such as meerkats, to have the right amount of fuel to keep them fit and healthy to get them through the harsh winter.”

The Park has a total of 25 meerkats, including two youngsters, which live in small groups in the African Village.

West Midland Safari Park is open daily until December 24 and for their Wild Winter Weekend season until February 8.