Vienna, Austria - September 04, 2025 Four southern dwarf mongoose pups born in mid-July at Schönbrunn Zoo are venturing out of their burrow in an artificial termite mound, guided closely by watchful adults. If a young mongoose strays too far or encounters perceived danger, parents and older siblings swiftly carry the little adventurer back to safety. “Dwarf mongooses have an exciting social system. They live sociably in small groups. As a rule, only the highest-ranking female bears offspring. However, everyone helps with rearing,” explains curator Dr. Eveline Dungl. Even as adults, dwarf mongooses are tiny, weighing just 300 grams. The nursing period for the pups is nearly over. “The little ones are already trying everything on the menu: minced beef, eggs, vegetables, fruit, and especially insects. This shows that they are small predators, because they are already enthusiastically chasing crickets,” says animal keeper Anja Kienast-Doppler. To keep the mongooses active, keepers hide food in bamboo tubes and boxes, encouraging natural foraging behavior. In the zoo’s East Africa House, the mongooses share their space with blanket-billed toucans, who are also raising offspring this season. The playful, curious pups are a reminder of the complex social life and resourcefulness of this diminutive species, captivating visitors with every tiny step they take outside the burrow.