When staff at West Midland Safari Park decided to do a little maintenance work in the Meerkat exhibit, they almost had some help from their furry friends. Whilst the staff had plenty to do, they had to make sure that the Meerkats were fully occupied too.

A pair of child's toy trucks seemed to be the perfect distraction for these lively and inquisitive little animals that usually enjoy nothing more than playing with the shoelaces of staff when a spot of maintenance is going on - consequently slowing up the work in progress.

On this occasion however, the mob of five male Meerkats were completely oblivious to the tidying up that was going on around them - they clearly had other things on their mind. And, as boys will be boys the trucks held great fascination for them as they started on their giant earth-moving mission. The Meerkats played with the toys for hours to the delight of visitors and the relief of staff, who finished their duties in record time.

Meerkat Mayhem is just part of a £1m investment in new attractions that has been launched during 2011. It is situated in the Park's new lakeside exhibit, The African Village.

West Midland Safari and Leisure Park is open daily up to Friday 4th November 2011.

"Meerkat Mayhem" is included as part of the standard admission charge of £13.99 for adults, £11.99 for children. A family saver ticket costs £46.76, which admits two adults and two children and offers a 10% saving on standard admission prices. Admission prices also include a free return ticket. Amusement rides are charged extra in all cases. Further information is available from the Park's official website www.wmsp.co.uk or by telephone 01299 402114.