A PAIR of cuddly creatures at Flamingo Land have bridged the species gap to become best friends.

The animals, a meerkat and a guinea pig, cannot bear to be apart from each other and whine uncontrollably when they are parted.

Melanie Wood, of the theme park and zoo, said: "The meerkat was rejected by its mother from birth so one of the keepers is rearing it by hand. She keeps it at home but has to bring it to work. When she does the two are kept together and are totally inseparable, they just whine if they are parted."

The pair share a large cage and, despite the surplus of space, spend most of their time stood shoulder to shoulder.

While the animals have created a strong bond, it is hoped the meerkat will eventually form a relationship with its mother.

"In the long term we will try to re-introduce it back to the family group," explained Melanie.

PICTURE: THE ODD COUPLE: Mia the meerkat and Wiggy the guinea pig, who are inseparable Picture: Richard Doughty