First Dwarf Mongoose Pup Born At San Diego Zoo Safari Park In Escondido

ESCONDIDO, CA — The San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido has welcomed its first dwarf mongoose pup, park officials announced Thursday.

The pup was born Sept. 16, and its sex has not yet been determined. The pup lives with its troop, whose members share responsibility for caring for the young.

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Dwarf mongooses are Africa's smallest carnivores. The highly social animals live in groups of up to 30 and are often seen grooming each other and playing. They also perform handstands to mark their territory with scent.

The species is native to parts of Africa, from Angola to Ethiopia and eastern South Africa.

Visitors can see the pup and its troop in the Safari Park's upper village.