KEEPERS at Cotswold Wildlife Park were stunned when their prairie dogs gave birth – because they had no idea they were breeding.

There are eight prairie dogs at the park near Burford, which come from the grasslands of North America.

The prairie dogs, a type of rodent, came to the park four years ago and so far they have never produced any offspring.

Curator Jamie Craig said: “It is difficult to monitor them because they spend a lot of time in their burrows underground.

“It was a big surprise when we saw the youngsters popping their heads up above the ground a fortnight ago. There are 10 so far and we think they come from two or three different mums because they vary quite a lot in size.”

He said: “As scientific zookeepers, we try not to label our animals cute, but these baby prairie dogs are very cute indeed – and they are drawing big crowds.”

The prairie dogs at the park exist on a diet of grass and vegetables, including their favourite, carrots.

Mr Craig added: “During the next few months we expect the youngsters to be above the ground a lot more with their parents.”

He said prairie dogs have a lifespan of about eight years and prefer warm and dry conditions.

Let’s hope summer comes soon.