A meerkat, similar to this one pictured, is believed to have been stolen from Wingham Wildlife Park. Picture: Barry Goodwin.

EXCLUSIVE by Gerry Warren

Fears are growing over the welfare of a meerkat stolen from a zoo near Canterbury.

The theft was discovered by keepers at Wingham Wildlife Park who are certain the animal has not escaped, and are concerned that it is suffering as a result of being taken from its family group.

The animals have become increasingly popular since the television series “Meerkat Manor” and the Compare the Meerkat commercials.

Park owner Tony Binskin (pictured) said meerkats are social animals that need to be in their own groups but do not make good pets.

The meerkat went missing from its enclosure on December 29 but the park has only revealed the theft this week.

Mr Binskin said: “We quickly dismissed an escape because all of the other meerkats were already safely tucked away in their house when the enclosure was checked during their evening feed.

“During the day all of the animals were checked several times and nothing out of the ordinary had been noticed about this particular animal.

“Their enclosure has acrylic walls, a material which their feet cannot get any traction on. Without human help there is simply no way that he would have been able to get out."

Two sightings of a meerkat have been reported in Sandwich, which may be linked, but the park can be contacted on 01227 720836.

See more pictures and reaction in this week's Kentish Gazette, out on Thursday.