A colony of meerkats at a British wildlife park has been all but wiped out in a ‘catastrophic turn of events’ after their network of tunnels collapsed in heavy rain.

Tropical Birdland in Desford, Leicestershire, said that its group of meerkats had been caught unaware by a sudden deluge which followed a spate of heatwaves that roasted England throughout the summer.

The meerkats had been digging new tunnels last week ahead of the expected arrival of a new litter of pups – the arid, dry ground perfect for burrowing.

However, the freshly carved chambers gave way following heavy rainfall, collapsing in on the group and trapping them beneath the ground.

Wildlife park bosses said they were able to locate the meerkats and had been able to rescue one successfully.

However, the rest of the group, including ‘experienced mother’ Big Mama, was unable to be saved.

‘Most of last week “Big Mama” had her mob digging out and preparing a fresh chamber underground, ready for the arrival of her next litter of pups,’ Tropical Birdland said on social media.

‘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.

‘Staff were able to locate where the Meerkats were underground and were able to rescue one member of the mob, but were heartbroken to find the rest of the group had passed away.’

Tropical Birdland’s mob of meerkats… they have been all but wiped out after their tunnels collapsed

The tragedy came following multiple heatwaves across Britain that sent 71 per cent of England into drought conditions (Pictured: The depleted Chew Reservoir in the Peak District)

Staff at the park are ‘regularly spending time’ with the surviving meerkat to ensure it is comfortable, it added, thanking the public for its support.

‘We visited yesterday and did wonder why there was only one meerkat. I hope the survivor continues to do well and sorry to learn of the sad news. We loved our visit yesterday – such a unique place,’ said one visitor in response. 

Tropical Birdland has been home to a colony of meerkats for several years, and last year introduced a ‘Meet the Meerkat Mob for Breakfast’ experience.

Experts warned last week that the end of the summer heatwaves could spark flash flooding as wet conditions return – because the ground is too hard to soak up water.

Around 71 per cent of England is officially in drought following the driest July in 190 years, with hosepipe bans likely to affect millions for months to come.

The Met Office said today that heavy showers and thunderstorms are likely to develop across England and Wales into the week, with thundery rain expected to sweep across the South West.

Sarah Keith-Lucas, lead weather presenter with the BBC, said earlier today: ‘The areas most at risk are southern England and Wales, where heavy rain falling on dry and hard ground may bring the risk of localised flooding.’