But these photographs from a new book show there were — as the meerkat ads would put it ... our furry friends pop up in these iconic pictures from a very different age ...

That’s essentially the cooperative breeding system of meerkat groups, in which one dominant male and female monopolize the mating and pup-bearing. What helps that female keep her coveted position?

Groups of meerkats and black and white ruffled lemurs at Auchingarrich Wildlife Park were given special bouquets of roses and bananas as a treat ahead of February 14.