A meerkat that was cruelly abandoned in a carrier bag has found a new home - and a girlfriend - in time for Valentine's Day.
The critter was found dumped in a plastic bag in a field near Burnley last year.
Officers from the animal welfare charity went to collect Masaa the meerkat after a member of the public reported him, but they were unable to find the person responsible.
Masaa now has a new loving home in Stoke-on-Trent with a specialist keeper, who already has a single female meerkat, after her companion sadly had a stroke around Christmas time.
The keeper was happy to take on Masaa as meerkats are very social animals and need the company of others.
He was introduced to his new friend Sahara slowly at first, starting in their carriers, but they now love spending time in each other's company.
Masaa's rescuer Demi Hodby said: “I am so pleased Masaa and Sahara have found each other and they get on so well.
"Meerkats need to be cared for by a specialist keeper and need the company of other meerkats in order to live a happy, healthy life."
The RSPCA says it regularly comes across wild animals being kept in people’s homes, often alone, in totally unsuitable conditions.
Demi added: "Sadly, when we encounter meerkats we often see individual meerkats being kept or offered for sale apart from their gang.
“Lone meerkats are also very difficult to integrate back into social groups.”
Meerkats are native to southern Africa and belong to the mongoose family.
They are extremely social and live in tight-knit groups of up to 40 individuals in the wild.
The RSPCA says the animals have specialist needs and are not suited to being kept in homes.
A spokesperson said: "Unfortunately many people are unaware of how much of a commitment animals like this are when they take them on.
"Impulse buying risks people not understanding fully what they need to provide for the animal.
"Animals may become aggressive, grow very large, live for a long time or require a licence or paperwork to be legally kept or sold.
"Without proper care exotic animals can suffer from serious diseases and, in severe cases or if left untreated, they can die."
The charity encourages prospective owners of any exotic pet to thoroughly research the animal's needs, using expert sources, and only consider keeping one if they can ensure they are fully able to provide for them.
