A zoo has welcomed its first baby dwarf mongoose.

The tiny creature was born on October 15 and was a surprise to the keepers at Drusillas Zoo Park.

The mother had only arrived at the zoo in August.

"Mama mongoose and our resident male Stasher clearly wasted no time," said a spokeswoman for the zoo, near Alfriston.

The Argus: The dwarf mongoose was born on October 15.The dwarf mongoose was born on October 15. (Image: Drusillas Zoo Park)

Dwarf mongooses are typically pregnant for seven weeks.

The mother mongoose has not yet been named, and now Drusillas is asking the public to help decide what to call the newest residents.

The spokeswoman said: "This teeny babe is already confident, cheeky and proving to have the same mischevious character as dad Stasher.

"The mother is super sweet and gentle and proving to be a wonderful first-time mum."

In a post on Facebook, people have been suggesting their ideas for names for the pair.

Nell Smith said: "They should be called Mellow and Mischief, like their personalities."

Kelly Huggins, who shares a birthday with the new arrival, suggested: "Dash and dot. Because it happened so quickly and baby is so small."

Drusillas Zoo Park is still asking for your help to name the couple.

The zoo has also been selected as finalists in three categories for this year's Beautiful South Tourism Awards. 

The Argus: The baby with mum and dadThe baby with mum and dad (Image: Drusillas Zoo Park)

The nominations include a personal recognition for head zookeeper Gemma Romanis.

Gemma, who has had the role for ten years, has been nominated for the Unsung Hero award.

Cassie Poland, managing director of Drusillas, said: "We are over the moon to learn we have been nominated for three awards, it would have been wonderful to be in the running for just one so this has really surprised us."

The nominees will meet at an awards ceremony on December 13 at The Grand hotel in Brighton where the winners will be announced.