A mob of meerkats have died after a network of their tunnels dug at a UK wildlife attraction collapsed. Tropical Birdland in Desford, Leicestershire, confirmed that one meerkat was rescued, however, the staff sadly discovered the rest of the mob had died as a result of the collapse.

The park said the meerkats had been excavating a new underground chamber as their matriarch, Big Mama, was preparing to welcome her next litter. The spokesperson said: “This has been an incredibly distressing and heartbreaking time for all the team.”

In an online statement, the attraction said the ground had been ideal for digging due to the prolonged hot and dry weather, but heavy rain recorded in recent days had “compromised the structure of the tunnels, causing them to collapse”.

The statement read: “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the news of the passing of our beloved Meerkats. Most of last week our matriarch ‘Big Mama’ had her mob digging out and preparing a fresh chamber underground, ready for the arrival of her next litter of pups.

“Big Mama was an experienced mother, having several litters over the years, and her mob were very well practiced in digging tunnels and chambers. After an unusually long heatwave, the ground was ideal for digging.

“In an unexpected and catastrophic turn of events, the sudden heavy rainfall after such a long hot dry spell compromised the structure of the tunnels causing them to collapse.”

Tropical Birdland added that staff members located where the meerkats were underground and were able to rescue one of them.

The statement continued: “The team are regularly spending time with the the surviving member of the group to comfort and monitor closely.

“This has been an incredibly distressing and heartbreaking time for all the Team. We thank you all for your continued support during this difficult and upsetting time.”