Meerkat Facts: Animals of Africa - WorldAtlas.com Environment Meerkat Facts: Animals of Africa These small mammals use social cooperation within large groups and extensively burrowed tunnels in order to survive the arid African deserts. Meerkats are social animals that live in arid regions of southern Africa. They enjoy each others' company almost as much as they love to feast on insects. 5. Physical Description Meerkats, also known as "suricates", are rather comical looking creatures who, although they look somewhat like a cross between a prairie dog and a small cat, are actually part of the Mongoose Family. These diminutive mammals usually weigh about two pounds and stand approximately 12 inches tall, with tails as long as between seven-and-a-half and nine-and-a-half inches long. These creatures are well known for standing on their hind legs while surveying their surroundings. In doing so, they utilize their keen alert eyes, and a steady, ever watchful gaze. Meerkats have distinctive dark patches around their eyes, which help them to cut down the harsh glare from the African sun. The animals are also equipped with lengthy, non-retractable claws, which enable them to burrow into the dusty earth. 4.

Diet As omnivores, meerkats can consume all manner of plant as well as animal material for nutritional purposes. Their typical diet is composed of a variety of fruits, scrubs, spiders, insects, snails, lizards, birds, and rodents. It is interesting to note that mature meerkats are immune to the usually deadly venom found in scorpions, thus they have the unique ability to dine on these dangerous arachnids without suffering ill effects. Meerkats are crafty creatures who use their finely tuned sense of smell to search out and locate their prey. Like most of their activities, meerkats hunt as groups, with one member assuming the role of lookout in order to ensure the safety of the rest of the group, or "mob". 3. Habitat and Range Although meerkats are popular inhabitants in many zoos throughout the world, in the wild these distinctive animals0 are only native to a relatively small portion of our planet. These creatures originate in the southern part of the continent of Africa. Specifically, they can be found in the wilds of Botswana's Kalahari Desert, parts of the Namibian Desert in Namibia, as well as in the countries of South Africa and Angola.

There is not a vast number of species capable of surviving the dry conditions of these desert environments but, due in part to their proficient burrowing skills, meerkats are highly suited to living in the harsh arid conditions inherent to such challenging landscapes. 2. Behavior Meerkats are social animals who live together in groups within underground tunnels. They are often seen in their characteristic erect stances, which serve to allow the animals to keep guard over their family members and other fellow group members. This action is necessary for the survival of these so-called mobs, because meerkats are often prey for large birds, which have the overwhelming physical strength to overpower them, carry them off, and eat them. Meerkats live in groups of 20 to 50 members, also referred to as gangs, and are led by a dominant couple known as an "alpha pair". In the wild, these African animals live to reach approximately eight years of age. In captivity, however, their lifespan can increase to 13 or so years. 1. Reproduction On average, meerkats give birth to two to four cubs per year. However, a female meerkat is capable of having up to eight babies at a time.

Their gestation period lasts for eight weeks, and the actual birthing process takes place within their custom-made burrow systems. At birth, meerkats cannot see or hear and can only drink milk for the first three weeks of life. Rearing of the offspring (also known as pups) is a cooperative activity, with mothers and fathers alike, as well as the siblings, taking part in caring for and teaching the newborn young. Meerkats reach the age of maturity at about one and a half years of age. This page was last modified on January 28, 2016. On WorldAtlas.com Meerkat Facts Meerkat Facts By Alina Bradford, Live Science Contributor | September 29, 2014 08:54pm ET MORE Mum Fraggle, pictured with her new additions to the meerkat mob at Belfast Zoo! Credit: Belfast Zoo. Meerkats are catlike carnivores that are part of the civets and mongoose family. They are identified by their long bodies; short, flat ears; and their ability to stand on their back feet. Meerkat coats can be gold, silver, orange or brown with dark patches of fur around the eyes.

Meerkats are small animals, measuring 9.75 to 11.75 inches (25 to 30 centimeters) from head to rump. Their tails add another 7.5 to 9.5 inches (19 to 24 cm) to their length. At less than 2.2 lbs. (1 kilogram), a meerkat weighs about the same as a squirrel. Where do meerkats live? These animals are found in the deserts and grasslands of Africa, including southwestern Botswana, western and southern Namibia, and north and west South Africa. They can also be found in the extreme southwestern areas of Angola and in the lowlands of Lesotho. The Elephant Crossing exhibit is now alive with the pitter-patter of tiny feet. Credit: Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Meerkats live together in big groups. Several meerkat families may live together to form a community called a mob, gang or clan. Such a group can include three to 50 meerkats, according to the Natural History Museum , and the mob's dominant female leads the group.

Living in intricate tunnel systems underground called burrows, meerkats can stay safe from predators and cool during hot days. One burrow can have as many as 15 entrance and exit holes and can reach up to 6.5 feet (2 meters) deep, according to the San Diego Zoo . Unlike other burrowing creatures, meerkats live in more than one burrow; they keep several in rotation. Every morning, meerkats start their day with grooming or lying in the sun. During the rest of the day, they forage for food. One meerkat will watch the group of foragers and alert them if a predator approaches. This sentry is relieved and replaced each hour so that everyone can forage. What do meerkats eat? Though they are considered carnivores, meerkats eat more than just meat. Their diet includes lizards, birds, bugs and fruit, according to the National Geographic . They also like to treat themselves to scorpions. Adult meerkats have some immunity to the venom, so scorpion stingers are no problem.

However, instead of allowing pups to learn by trial and error and risk receiving a potentially life-threatening sting, mothers will cut the tail off of a scorpion before feeding the arachnid to her young, according to a 2006 study published in the journal Science. Four meerkat babies have joined the baby boom success list at Belfast Zoo! Credit: Belfast Zoo. Baby meerkats Females give birth to one to eight babies at a time, but it is more common for meerkat mothers to have three to four offspring at a time. The babies, called pups, are born underground, where they are safe from predators. At birth, pups weigh 25 to 36 grams (0.9 to 1.3 ounces), according to the San Diego Zoo. In addition to being small, pups are also blind, deaf and almost hairless. The whole family, including the father and siblings, pitches in to help raise the new additions. By nine weeks, the pups are weaned, and by one and a half years, the meerkats will be mature enough to have their own offspring. Meerkats live up to eight years in the wild and up to 13 years in zoos.

Classification/taxonomy The taxonomy of meerkats, according to the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS), is: Kingdom: Animalia Subspecies: Suricata suricatta iona, Suricata suricatta marjoriae, Suricata suricatta suricatta Conservation status Meerkats are listed as "least concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature 's (IUCN's) Red List of Threatened Species. There are currently no major threats to the animals, and their populations are doing well. Other facts Meerkat mothers can nurse their young while standing on their back legs. A dominant meerkat mom will force subordinates to nurse her young for her , according to a 2013 study published in the journal Animal Behavior. When the pups are old enough, their mother will bring them live bugs and teach them how to kill the prey, according to the journal Science. Young meerkats are so leery of birds that even airplanes will scare the animals into their burrows. If the mob decides to move to another burrow, family members and other caretakers will carry pups by the scruff of the neck. A membrane covers and protects meerkats' eyes while they dig.

When two groups of meerkats go to war over territory, they will line up and charge each other, much like human warriors did before modern technology. Meerkat wars can result in many deaths, so the animals try to avoid such conflicts by employing intimidation tactics, according to the San Diego Zoo. Meerkat l Intelligently organized species - Our Breathing Planet Source: Photographer: Mikhail Koninin The Meerkat is a small mammal belonging to the mongoose family. They are found throughout a wide range of the African continent . The Meerkat is native to all parts of the Kalahari Desert in Botswana, much of the Namib Desert in Namibia, southwestern Angola, and South Africa. They average approximately 1.61 pounds (0.73 kg) in weight. They are known for their long, slender bodies, averaging up to 14 inches (35 cm). This does not include the tail, which averages up to 9.8 inches (25 cm) in length. The Meerkat tail is long and thin, and is used for balancing when they stand upright. Source: Photographer: Alex Thornton Meerkat Diet and Behavior The Meerkat is primarily an insectivorous animal .

However, they will also consume snakes, lizards , spiders, scorpions, plants, eggs, small mammals, and even small birds. They generally prefer to dwell in clans which number from 20-50 individuals. In the wild they have an average lifespan of 6-7 years. Meerkat clans live in large underground burrows , with many tunnels. They leave the tunnels only during the day. They are well known for their organized behavior. When the clan is above ground, a single Meerkat will stand apart, keeping watch for predators . This sentry changes places with another member of the clan approximately every hour, with the intervals being approximately even. This is considered to be an indication of a sense of timing. #ourbreathingplanet Meerkats, Meerkat Pictures, Meerkat Facts - National Geographic Size relative to a 6-ft (2-m) man Please add a "relative" entry to your dictionary. These gregarious animals are often seen in groups, and several families may live together in a large community. Squirrel-sized meerkats are mongooses famed for their upright posture. They often stand on their rear legs and gaze alertly over the southern African plains where they live.

Mothers can even nurse their young while standing. Meerkats (also called suricates) work together in numbers. A few will typically serve as lookouts, watching the skies for birds of prey, such as hawks and eagles, that can snatch them from the ground. A sharp, shrill call is the signal for all to take cover. While a few individuals guard the group, the rest busy themselves foraging for the foods that make up their varied diet. Meerkats will eat insects, lizards, birds, and fruit. When hunting small game, they work together and communicate with purring sounds. Meerkats are good hunters and are sometimes tamed for use as rodent-catchers. Meerkat groups utilize several different burrows and move from one to another. Each burrow is an extensive tunnel-and-room system that remains cool even under the broiling African sun. Females give birth to two to four young each year in one of the group's burrows. Fathers and siblings help to raise meerkat young, teaching them to play and forage and alerting them to the ever present danger from above. Young meerkats are so fearful of predatory birds that even airplanes will send them diving for cover.

Mad about meerkats: They're impossibly cute, have great family values and have become Britain's favourite animal | Daily Mail Online Mad about meerkats: They're impossibly cute, have great family values and have become Britain's favourite animal comments What is it about meerkats? A generation ago, hardly anyone outside their native continent had heard of these engaging little African mongooses (or should that be mongeese?). In the great roll-call of cute and charismatic creatures, from the marmoset to the polar bear, the meerkat - a slender little thing, about the size of an elongated rabbit and resembling the offspring of a monkey and a ferret - was rarely to be seen on screen. These days, of course, they are everywhere. They star in their own TV ad - for an insurance price comparison site. On guard: The meerkats are endearing for their trademark pose of being erect on two legs with their front limbs hanging down The improbably-clad meerkat in a smoking jacket, who explains the difference between 'comparethemeerkat.com, comparethemarket.com - seemples!' in a heavy Russian accent, has become quite a hit with viewers.

And now they have their very own film, Meerkat: The Movie, which is set to do for this creature what March Of The Penguins did for the eponymous flightless Antarctican birds, complete with worldclass photography and a saccharine-soaked narrative. Meerkats have been appropriated by everything from banks to the Neighbourhood Watch scheme - a symbol for friendly vigilance, the can-do boy scouts of the animal world. It all began in 1987, when the BBC screened one of its magnificent wildlife documentaries, Meerkats United, starring a colony of the animals. Narrated by David Attenborough, the programme brought the lives of these intelligent creatures into our living rooms for the first time. It was one of the BBC's greatest hits and shown all over the world. TV star: The Russian meerkat from the advert for an insurance price comparison site But a wildlife documentary is not enough to turn an animal from critter to friend. There must be something else, an essential element which makes us empathise with an animal. In the meerkat's case, for a start, there is something eerily expressive about their faces.

Like apes, monkeys, some bears, pandas and cats, meerkats have flattish, round faces with a small nose and eyes that face forward. This, together with their charismatic facial markings (the patches of dark fur accentuating their already large eyes), gives these animals an immediately humanlike appearance which we can relate to. RELATED ARTICLES Share this article Share Running around, meerkats look like just any other small furry animal. But their trademark pose - erect on two legs, their front limbs hanging down, alert eyes scanning the horizon for predators, mouth set in a slight wry smile - is endearing almost beyond belief. If you were to sit down and design an animal specifically to tug at the human heartstrings, you would come up with something like this. The meerkat is, in effect, a cartoon animal made real. But they don't just look sweet; their behaviour is endearing as well. Like some apes (including us) and baboons, the meerkat is an extremely social animal, living in tightknit colonies of between 20 and 30 individuals who make their homes in vast networks of tunnels. Like other social creatures, meerkats display many types of altruistic behaviour.

Nature might be red in tooth and claw in the arid deserts of Namibia, Botswana and South Africa where the meerkat makes its home, but in the actual colonies, all is (for the most part) sweetness and light. Social creatures: Meerkats live in tightknit colonies of between 20 and 30 individuals The animals bond in a series of grooming rituals which can go on for hours. The courtship ritual of the meerkat consists not of the males displaying or fighting, but simply hours of persistent stroking and grooming of the female until she relents. The colony leaders, a couple called the alpha-pair, engage in a complex series of rituals and scent-markings to establish their dominance and to reinforce kinship within the colony, called a 'mob' or a 'clan', which usually consists only of close relatives. But what really makes these animals stand out is their coordinated behaviour, which rivals that of chimps, baboons, dolphins and even humans in its complexity and efficiency. The education of the pups is a communal affair, as is feeding - meerkat females are known to wet-nurse and babysit the young of their sisters and cousins, and even of unrelated animals.

But perhaps the most famous and endearing behaviour trait of the meerkat is 'standing sentry'. Typically, while out foraging for the insects, lizards, small birds and eggs that form the bulk of their diet, one or more meerkats will stand guard, keeping an eye out for predators for up to an hour at a time, shifts relieved in rotation. Meerkats of both sexes stand guard, too, over the burrows containing the colony's newlyborn young, until the pups emerge aged about three weeks. They have acute senses of sight, hearing and smell, and seem to have a rudimentary form of language, with various barks and calls signifying key information, such as the presence of a predator or food. What is unusual is the extent to which meerkats will teach their young. For instance, pups are shown how to tackle a scorpion (a favourite morsel) by the adult first removing the stinger, thus helping the youngster to learn how to kill the creature in safety. Meerkats are also extremely playful, engaging in mockfights and scampering in what appear to be races.

A couple of years ago pictures were released by a news agency - pictures apparently taken by inquisitive meerkats who had stumbled upon a mislaid camera in the Longleat safari park in Wiltshire. The meerkat pictures were, in fact, a clever hoax, but the fact that it took months for anyone to suspect as much shows to what extent the lively intelligence of Suricata suricatta - its Latin name - has become part of the popular imagination. We can anthropomorphise to excess, of course. These are wild animals, and carnivores to boot; it would be a mistake to assume that life in the meerkat colony is completely peaceful. Young are sometimes killed by older animals in a bid to improve their pecking order in the group. Cheeky: Meerkats Marvin and Mara under the mistletoe at London Zoo Females are routinely evicted (often forming the nucleii of new colonies) and groups might fragment when food becomes scarce, in effect increasing the geographical range. It is this range of complex behaviour - and, of course, their physical cuteness - that has made these animals such a hit with humans.

At London Zoo, one of the most popular exhibits is the new meerkat enclosure, which is home to four of the creatures: a senior male called Athos, plus three youngsters - Pipsqueak, Junior and Shortstack. Senior keeper Tony Dobbs, 31, says thousands of visitors are drawn to the enclosure each day. 'You do get quite attached to the meerkats - they're friendly and come over to say hello,' he adds. In fact, the only downside is their human visitors' spontaneous compulsion to do an impression. 'I love the comparethe meerkat.com advert,' says Tony, 'but it's really starting to grate on me now that nine out of ten people who come to this enclosure do an impression of the ad.' But if you're tempted to get a little closer, remember that the zoo - or, better still, the wild - is the best place to see a meerkat. Thanks to their popularity, a market has arisen for this animal as a pet. They are being advertised, quite legally, online for several hundred pounds each.

Experts, however, strongly advise against trying to keep them as one, the fear being that as with other popular but essentially wild animals, any attempt to recreate at home what is seen in the cinema will lead to inevitable cruelty. Some years ago, thousands of terrapins were bought as a result of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle craze. But many of these animals, sadly, found themselves thrown away or washed down the drain. Used to living in large groups in a climate wholly different from ours, meerkats can become aggressive and depressed if forced to live on their own, and their powerful claws and teeth can reduce whole living rooms to shreds. Something the meerkat in the advert would, of course, never, ever do. Fellow Earthlings' Wildlife Center, Inc. "Beware of Identity Theft!" - Cheeky Rafiki blends into the crowd Photo Credit: Julie Blew Springtime greetings to our loyal extended family and honorary “mob” members! All of us here at Fellow Earthlings’ Wildlife Center are reveling in the return of spring, one of our very favorite seasons!

The meerkats, coming out of their “winter mode,” are spending lazy days lolling on their backs, soaking up the nurturing sunshine, while we humans scurry about performing all the necessary chores to keep our little Center “humming” along. We are actually experiencing a positive aspect of the very difficult economic situation, which is a renewed sense of being extremely grateful for the little things. As busy as we are, there seems to be a lovely “slowed” sense of time, with more opportunity to notice the “small stuff.” The return of the migratory hummingbirds, the flurry of nest building as male finches sing out their territorial song to the world, the beautiful red racer snake, freshly emerged from hibernation with his newly shed skin glistening in the sunshine. We have heard many of the same sentiments from you – our adoptive parents - that although times are tough, there has been a welcome return to simplicity, and a greater appreciation for what we have. A mixed blessing indeed, but hard times bring out the best, in meerkats and humans alike.

We know that many of you are struggling, as we are, to keep the bills paid and “bugs” on your own tables – so we are eternally grateful for the re-adoptions that continue to come in , and the donations many of you have been so gracious to give. Every dollar counts towards keeping our “wee rascals” healthy and thriving, and on behalf of the meerkats, we want to say a big THANK YOU for helping us keep the Center afloat. We have faith that these very difficult times will soon pass, and are looking forward to more prosperous days ahead. In the meantime, the meerkats continue to teach us the valuable and precious lessons we try to embrace every day – to live in the moment, cherish and care for those you love, and to “seize” every opportunity to share, learn and of course, play!

Nalo "bellies" up to the bug mug bar to the amusement of Pam Bennett-Wallberg, director Photo Credit: Julie Blew Denise Robertson, Assistant Director, journeys to Africa on a “Meerkat Mission” Denise Robertson in the Kalahari with curious Bushman children and a "napping" little meerkat at her feet Photo Credit: Unknown bushman villager After diligently working for 20 months on the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, I was enjoying a well deserved respite, but soon found myself “biting at the bit” to journey once again to the continent I so love – Africa! Even after eight previous trips for durations of six weeks to one year, the “Africa muse” continued to sing in my ear and I could not ignore her inviting call. This time around, I had a definitive mission – to plunge myself deep into the heart of habitat conservation and wildlife rehabilitation efforts in southern Africa – two topics I am passionate about. I spent two months in South Africa, taking wildlife guiding and tracking courses for my personal education, followed by three months of participating in research projects in South Africa and Namibia with cheetah, leopard and, of course, meerkats!

In particular, I was keenly interested in an organization I had heard about in South Africa that had established a successful program of rehabilitating former pet meerkats and releasing them into the wild for a viable chance at a life living free. The organization, located outside Johannesburg, is a non-profit, non-governmental, wildlife rehabilitation and release center founded in 1997. Holding an open rehabilitation permit from the Nature Conservation Department of South Africa for the rehabilitation and care of mammals, reptiles, and birds, the Center takes in injured, orphaned and abandoned wildlife of all species. At any given time, you might find animals ranging from a Cape Clawless Otter, Honey Badger, or Cape Fox, to jackals, bushbabies, tortoises, and birds of all species – including majestic eagles, stoic owls, chatty hoopoes and brilliant Red-faced Mousebirds. And, of course, meerkats! The sole goal of this wonderful center is to heal, rehabilitate, and release as many of these animals as possible back into the wild.

I contacted Nicci, the Center’s director and senior animal manger, to inquire about the facility, and get information on the wonderful work they do with meerkats. Nicci has been an integral part and the “hands on” driving force of the rehabilitation center since 1998, becoming the senior animal manager in 2000. As a child living in Zambia, Nicci acquired her wildlife rehabilitation skills from her mother, who lovingly took in countless numbers of injured and orphaned animals, caring for them until they could be released once again into their native habitat. Nicci watched, listened, and learned, and has continued the legacy by lending her diverse wildlife skills to this South African rehabilitation center. Nicci, very kindly, responded to my queries, and arrangements were made for me to visit the facility while I was in southern Africa. I arrived in November, at the tail end of my five-month sojourn. My goal was to volunteer, with the hope of humbly lending my modest skills in whatever way I could to assist them, while garnering valuable knowledge about their meerkat rehabilitation and release program. Nicci and the entire team warmly embraced me and I immediately got to work!

The first day, I found myself in the clinic making the rounds of feeding countless baby birds by hand. It was spring in South Africa (in the southern hemisphere the seasons are reversed) and due to unusually heavy rains and winds, hatchlings had been blown from nests and, in some cases, entire nests with baby birds just hours old were brought in by caring people who had found them and hoped the Center could save their tiny lives. I took part in the daily rounds of hand feeding and hydrating countless little birds, many of which had to be tended to every 30 minutes! I observed the loving and careful ministrations of Nicci and her volunteer staff as they resolutely moved from cage to cage, feeding the demanding and boisterous occupants. Boxes and boxes of injured birds and other animals arrived daily, but nothing seemed to ruffle Nicci as she calmly went from one patient to another, diagnosing, writing up charts, and determining whether the injured creature before her could be saved. A delicate Lesser Bushbaby found by the side of the road, a Harrier Hawk shot for “sport,” a baby meerkat confiscated from a roadside stall – the phone never stopped ringing and the animals never stopped coming.

I was humbled beyond measure to be a part of this incredible team, albeit for a very short time. The Center is doing amazing work and the dedication and commitment of everyone was nothing short of inspiring. Not so long ago, no one believed that hand-raised meerkats could be released into the wild to live normal lives. But, Nicci was not one to buy into assumptions, and she was determined to do everything in her power to get the former pet meerkats in her care back where they belonged. We at Fellow Earthlings’, along with this South African rehabilitation Center and many other organizations, are vehemently against the exotic pet trade and advocate strongly against it. Although meerkats are illegal to own in many countries, there are some where the practice of breeding, selling, and private ownership goes on.

Wild animals are meant to be just that – wild – and meerkats, in particular, suffer terribly when they are hand raised as “pets.” The very nature of their genetic makeup is one of being part of a mob or family and, in the absence of their own species, upon sexual maturity (at about twelve months of age) the confused and frustrated animal begins defending the only territory they have – the home they have been confined to by their captors. This territory defense is inevitably exhibited by biting everyone that comes into it, including other human family members in the household. Thus, the once adorable little meerkat quickly becomes a terror and the human family are the victims of the aggression. This either results in the meerkat being confined to a small cage for the rest of its life, or worse, the “owner” will ignorantly take the meerkat to a rural area and simply let it go where it cannot possibly survive alone. If they care enough, they find a rehabilitation center. The Center outside Johannesburg is often the recipient of these meerkats. A former pet meerkat, who gave birth at the Centre, patiently waits with her offspring to be integrated into a group for the next scheduled release Photo Credit: N.

Wright When I arrived the Center had 16 meerkats in several groups awaiting release. Just days later, two more arrived. The protocol for new arrivals is to attempt to introduce them into an existing mob at the Center as quickly as possible, which alone is a monumental task. In the wild, meerkat mobs are almost all blood related – being the offspring of the alpha female and male who are normally the only ones to reproduce. Thus, strangers are rarely accepted. At the Center, since captivity is such a contrived environment and many of the meerkats are not related, these introductions many times do work. Nicci is quite masterful at this challenging task – however, not even her magical touch always ensures cohesiveness, and as such, the Center had several fragmented groups of 3’s and 4’s. Once they have been assessed as to their physical and mental health, the rule is “hands off” – for two reasons. The first is that they are almost always biters at this stage, the second is that it is important to “wild them up” by not having much direct human contact, thus allowing them to depend upon their fellow mob members and prepare them for release.

The groups are housed in spacious outdoor enclosures with each group in sight of the others. They are fed twice daily, with occasional live insect sprinkles to keep their foraging instincts strong. Unfortunately, I was not able to stay for the pending release, which took place in early January. However, I was kept informed by Nicci, along with Joan and Peter (the amazingly committed couple who handle the releases). This tenacious “twosome” has dedicated themselves to helping former pet meerkats back into their native habitat by essentially living in the wild with the meerkats until they are fully prepared to make it on their own. I was fascinated by this concept and wanted to learn about the techniques they used to gently introduce the meerkats back into the wild. Joan, who has successfully completed the last four meerkat releases, kindly shared her notes with me, which I devoured zealously. Nicci, Joan, and Peter all shared their photos from previous releases which gave me insight into how these complicated missions were accomplished.

Knowing how vitally interested all of you are in the well being of our little “fellow earthlings,” I would like to share, in words and pictures, a glimpse into this amazing process: The first task is to capture the little scurries from their enclosures at the Center! Remembering that these meerkats have become biters as a result of being hand raised, this is a delicate (and sometimes painful!) task. If a “base of the tail” grab, hoist and placement into the crate doesn’t work, a big net comes in very handy! When everyone has been crated, they are loaded into the back of her “bakkie” (that’s a truck in South Africa) – with food to sustain the meerkats during their transition from being captive meerkats to wild and free. (You will be happy to know that the meerkats at Fellow Earthlings do not bite.) Nicci rounds up the "beasties" for their imminent journey to freedom... Photo Credit: M. Brocklehurst Meerkats, food and fencing all safely loaded and ready to go! Photo Credit: N. Wright The timing and step by step procedures are critical.

While Nicci is enroute with the meerkats, an advance team is already at the release site, including Joan and her husband Peter, who direct the construction of the “soft release” temporary enclosures which will provide the meerkats with protection while they get accustomed to their new surroundings. Picture perfect meerkat country! The release site Photo Credit: Bentley While the meerkats are enroute, the temporary enclosures are erected Photo Credit: N. Wright Upon arrival, the meerkat crates are gently unloaded and the animals are finally released into their designated temporary enclosures. Then, they take their first tentative steps in the wild. They're Here!! First meerkat steps in the wild! Photo Credit: N. Wright The release team must establish a self-sufficient encampment because the process can take anywhere from 10 days to three weeks. Once the enclosures are up and the meerkats tucked away, most of the team departs. Joan and Peter are then left on their own to “mind the meerkats” until they are sure the groups are ready to take on life in the wild.

Because they don’t want the meerkats getting used to seeing them or hearing the bakkie and associate the vehicle with food, the camp is set up a distance away which enables the meerkat groups to gain confidence on their own while they gradually disassociate from humans. Joan and Peter's camp headquarters, located a good distance away from the enclosures Photo Credit: P. Gossett Joan and Peter start the release process by simply allowing the meerkats to begin creating their own burrows inside the temporary enclosures. The team strategically puts the wire enclosures in areas that provide good substrate for digging or where there are already vacant burrows that have been dug by other creatures which gives them a “head start.” The crates are also left inside the enclosures initially – a sort of security blanket. And, of course, water is provided. Joan gives a "helping hand" (full of mealworms!) to a newly released meerkat Photo Credit: P. Gossett They are fed twice a day and, after a time, the door of the enclosure is left ajar while Joan and Peter are present.

This initiates little “walkabouts” with the meerkats venturing out for the first time, foraging, and discovering all the joys of being free, but still having the security of their “human sentries” nearby. First "Walkabout" - can you make out the meerkat tails in the high grass? Photo Credit: V. Law "Handle with Care!" a meerkat tackles a freshly caught scorpion Photo Credit: N. Wright The meerkats retreat to the temporary enclosures for the night and are locked in for the first days to ensure they will all be safe.

When Joan and Peter deem they are ready, the enclosure door is closed only with a pile of dirt against it – to give the humans enough time to run to the hidden vehicle and drive away before the meerkats can dig themselves out (“Hey, the food is leaving!”) The next days find the meerkats truly free, albeit they still have the safety of their enclosures to return to, and are unknowingly being observed from afar (with a very good pair of binoculars!) by Joan and Peter, who continue to monitor their progress while surreptitiously “sneaking” in additional food to subsidize their foraging while the groups are away from the burrows. Getting around isn't always easy! Peter "digs" out after the bakkie bogs down in the rain soaked earth Photo Credit: J. Gossett The releases are always done seasonally, when there have been good rains resulting in bountiful insects for the picking – good for meerkats, challenging for vehicles! Additionally, the sites are carefully chosen near a water source, as although wild meerkats normally get all their moisture from their food, being raised in captivity means these meerkats are more dependent upon water.

As to the fragmented groups, Nicci, Joan and Peter have discovered that even though there may be multiple groups released near one another which were not bonded at the Center, they often end up “banding” together upon release – knowing there is safety in numbers – which gives them a much higher rate of survival in the wild. The more members, the more eyes to watch the sky and ground for predators. Perhaps the most frustrating part of the release process for Joan and Peter is the confusing “sorting” out of the various mobs – the mixing and matching of members that takes place among them once they are all fully free. It was interesting to read Joan’s previous reports with notes such as “Minders are now with the Beesknees group and two of the Tripod meerkats have migrated into Madams group along with Mom and the babies.” So many bugs, so little time... Photo Credit: N. Wright Digger and her offspring enjoy the freedom of a Kalahari afternoon sprawled on the sand Photo Credit: N. Wright So how do Joan and Peter know when it is time to leave the meerkats to their own devices? Upon questioning her, Joan told me it is always quite apparent when the humans have worn out their welcome.

It seems the meerkats begin to chase the couple (and occasionally bite!) when they come back to check on their welfare. In essence, the meerkats are saying “this is our territory now – go away!” which clearly signals it is time for Joan and Peter to bid them a fond farewell, pack up their gear, and come home to a well-deserved hot shower and soft bed. I am happy to report that the January release of 25 meerkats was successful! The ranger in the reserve where the release took place has reported seeing the meerkats in the veldt foraging, so they seem to have adjusted quite well. A shongololo (giant millipede) is a delectable find! Photo Credit: N. Wright A dedicated mob member takes on one of the first sentry duties... Photo Credit: Bentley It is gratifying to know these intelligent, sensitive, and gregarious creatures have been given the gift of a life living free – all due to the dedication of Nicci, Joan, Peter, and the other team members. Experts said it couldn’t be done, but this wonderful Center with its innovation and dedication has proven otherwise.

And, although individual meerkats are lost sometimes, it is heartwarming to know that these endearing animals are given the opportunity to live full lives in the wild and not in a cage. Nicci says her final goodbye to little "Twiggy" before heading home with a happy heart Photo Credit: Bentley The campaign to educate people about the cruelty of keeping meerkats as pets continues. South Africa stopped issuing permits for meerkats in 2003, but the illegal trade goes on. Unscrupulous pet dealers rob burrows of pups and sell them by the side of the road and illegal breeders keep captive pairs of meerkats in suburban backyards. Females are kept perpetually pregnant, churning out litter after litter, with pups being pulled and sold at 3 weeks of age to create a forced dependant bond with the buyer. The rehabilitation center in South Africa, Fellow Earthlings’, and others are working to stop this horrific trade in meerkats and other innocent species. Sadly, we often receive emails from people located in the UK and other places in Europe where meerkats are still legal to buy and sell.

We try to be diplomatic and, at the same time, educate these misdirected people about the cruelty of keeping meerkats as pets in apartments and in cages. Meerkats as pets essentially translates to sentencing them to solitary confinement. Captivity is a terrible thing for any wild animal but, for a gregarious creature like a meerkat, which depends upon the mob for everything, it is psychological torture. Many cases have come to light where the deeply distressed animals begin inflicting injury upon themselves by obsessively chewing on their paws or tail. My hat is off to the committed team at the wildlife center for the tireless work they are doing not only for meerkats, but also for all sentient beings who are in need of a helping hand. For those that have no voice, this caring facility is the bright and beckoning light at the end of a sometimes very dark tunnel. My deep gratitude goes to Nicci, Joan, and Peter for embracing me into their world and renewing my faith that somehow, someday, humans will finally extend the dignity and respect to the furred and feathered, pawed and clawed, that they so richly deserve. Just imagine what a kinder, gentler world that will be!

Photo Credit: Bentley Because the heart beats under a covering of hair, of fur, feathers, or wings, it is, for that reason, to be of no account? Jean Paul Richter Postscript Some of you may be wondering why we don’t fly our meerkats to South Africa to be released into the wild. Pam and I discussed the viability of this at length, many years ago. Since our meerkats come to us due to medical problems, old age, and other issues, we quickly realized the chances of our meerkats, who are already at a disadvantage, to survive in the wild, would be very slim to none. Our conclusion was that it would in fact be more cruel than kind to inflict this upon them during their advanced years. Thus, we continue our mission to provide a life long home and the most enriching life possible for the zoo born meerkats that are placed with us. Epilogue My journey to Africa was at once the best and the hardest trip to that beloved continent I have ever experienced. I ran the gauntlet of emotions – from unadulterated joy, to the depths of despair and anguish.

Joy was my most welcome companion – it flooded my being as I gazed out upon the pristine desert landscapes of Namibia, experienced impossibly beautiful sunsets that made me feel at one with the whole universe, and witnessed the courage and tenacity of the diverse wildlife that forges on, despite humankind’s continual efforts to control and thwart it’s very existence at every turn. Despair and anguish was just as frequent a visitor. Immense sadness filled me at witnessing captive animals torn from the wild and being sold as exotic pets, despair at the knowledge of secret compounds on wildlife reserves where lions were bred and raised to be shot by “trophy hunters” in the canned hunting industry, and anger at seeing fences everywhere I looked – fences that kept wildlife out, fences that kept wildlife in, fences that prevented wildlife from using their centuries old traditional migration routes, which in turn has upset the entire delicate balance that nature so carefully designed and we humans have so carelessly violated. But the light and hope came in the form of the people I met along the way. Without question they took me in, this nomadic stranger who arrived unannounced on their doorsteps.

With trust and open arms, they allowed me to ask endless questions, and gave me the freedom to explore, experience, and work with them side by side to get my answers. Gracious, kind, strong men and women, fighting the good fight for the wildlife of the world – sacrificing comfort, money, and material wealth to give back to the planet and simply do what they think is right. I was humbled beyond measure, and I took heart at the thought that if each and every one of us answered this critical call to action on behalf of wildlife, and in some small way, did just one thing to benefit the animals that share our world, it just couldn’t help but change everything. I’ve seen it and experienced it first hand, through the determination and perseverance of these wildlife warriors, and I will never be the same again. Photo Credit: Self Timer List of Animals Llama The domestic llama is a South American hoofed mammal famous for its luxurious wool and pack animal ability. You can find our llamas near Helzberg Penguin Plaza. Macaw The Kansas City Zoo is home to several species of macaws. These large, colorful parrots native to South and Central America are a widely varied species.

Their beautiful colors have resulted in intensive pressure on wild populations for the pet trade and several species are now listed as critically endangered. You can find our macaws in the Discovery Barn and in the WOW Wings of Wonder bird show. Marine Toad The marine toad is a large amphibian weighing up to five pounds! These natives of Central and South America can and will eat anything in they can fit in their mouths and as such can be a damaging introduced species. They are also toxic, producing a venom in glands behind their eyes. You can find our marine toads in the Discovery Barn. Masai Giraffe Giraffe are famous for their elongated necks which allow them to reach the leafy branches of trees on which they depend for food. Masai giraffes are the largest species of giraffe and hail from the central African continent. You can find our herd in the plains exhibit in Africa. Matschie Tree Kangaroo Endangered, the Matchie’s tree kangaroo aka the Huon tree kangaroo is a tree dwelling marsupial native to the island of New Guinea. Totally folivorous (meaning leaf eating) these medium sized kangaroos spend most of their lives in the treetops.

You can find our tree kangaroos in the Australian section of the Zoo inside the free roaming kangaroo exhibit. Meerkat Meerkats are instantly recognizable members of the mongoose family. Made famous by animated movies and documentary series, these small predators are curious and cute but have a feisty attitude and fearless demeanor. You can find our meerkats in the Discovery barn. Mona Monkey Mona monkeys live in groups of between 5 and 32 individuals, with only 1 adult male in each group. Male and females are similar in appearance, except males are usually larger. You can find the mona monkey at the KCZoo in the Tropics. Nile Hippopotamus These huge, water-loving herbivores have a dangerous reputation as the deadliest animals in Africa. The Nile hippopotamus can be found in rivers and lakes across the African continent. Their primarily found in water during daylight hours but at night come ashore to graze on grass and shrubs. You can find our hippos near the crocodiles in Africa. North American River Otter The river otter is a recovering species of mustelid once found in nearly every body of water in North America.

Over hunting for the otter’s luxurious fur lead to a steep decline in their numbers and rarity in wild sightings, recent efforts at reintroduction to native ranges have resulted in a successful comeback. You can find our otters near the front entrance to the Zoo. Ostrich The blue-necked ostrich is the tallest and heaviest bird in the world; it’s also the fastest in a footrace. These enormous flightless birds are among the most recognizable members of the bird family. You can find our ostrich on the plains in Africa. Meerkat - ZooBorns Meerkat December 25, 2016 Christmas gifts aren't just for people - the animals at ZSL London Zoo got their paws on Christmas presents this year, too! Six-month-old Sumatran Tiger cubs Achilles and Karis woke up to a pile of pretty presents to rip open, while the Meerkat mob merrily munched on pinecone ornaments stuffed with veggies, hanging from a Christmas tree.

Photo Credit: ZSL London Zoo Zoological Manager Mark Habben said, “We love a bit of festive cheer at ZSL London Zoo, and like to find fun ways for the animals to join in the festivities." “We’ve come up with a variety of activities to encourage them to use their natural skills, like foraging or sniffing out their next meal: our Tiger cubs loved using their newly learnt hunting prowess to rip open their presents, while our Meerkats searched for their treats under the tree - just like kids all over the country on Christmas day.” Merry Christmas from ZooBorns! December 18, 2016 Taronga Zoo welcomed its largest litter of Meerkats ever, with keepers monitoring the progress of six playful pups. The pups were born on November 7, but have just begun to venture outside their nest box to explore their habitat. This is the third litter for experienced parents Nairobi and Maputo. Previous litters had only two pups each. Photo Credits: Paul Fahy (1,2,3,5,6,7,8,9), Courtney Mahoney (4,10,11,12) Keeper Courtney Mahony said the size of this litter came as a complete surprise.

“We knew that Nairobi was bigger than she was during her previous pregnancies, but we definitely weren’t expecting six pups! Meerkats usually give birth to 3-4 pups, so mum certainly has her paws full this time,” said Courtney. Courtney said Nairobi appeared to be relaxed and confident caring for the largest litter of pups in Taronga’s history. “She’s an incredible mother and seems to be taking it all in her stride. She’s so attentive to the pups and she’s getting lots of babysitting help from dad and her eldest daughter, Serati,” said Courtney. Keepers will confirm the sex of the pups when they have their first veterinary examination next month, but they suspect there are three males and three females. They have begun to do hands on health checks and weigh the pups regularly to ensure they are healthy and comfortable in their presence. The yet-to-be-named pups have started to sample solid foods, such as mealworms, wood roaches, fruit and vegetables. “They are growing a bit slower than our two previous litters, but they’re still hitting all the right milestones and starting to show their own little personalities. The biggest pup is a boy and he’s definitely the most adventurous of the six.

He’s the first out of the nest box each morning and the first one to explore new things,” said Courtney. Native to southern Africa’s arid plains, Meerkats live in extended family groups called mobs. With sharp claws, they dig for insects, spiders, centipedes, and other small animals, which are crushed with sharp teeth. As social animals, Meerkats have a wide range of vocalizations to convey alarm, fear, and contentment. The International Union for Conservation of Nature states that there are no major threats to the species. May 04, 2016 The “cute meter” hit an all-time high the morning of April 18, as the Meerkat mob at the San Diego Zoo showed off four new additions to the family. Mom Debbie gave birth to four adorable baby Meerkats, and the pups have left their den to explore the interesting world above ground. Photo Credits: San Diego Zoo Animal care staff became excited when they realized Debbie was pregnant with a new litter, and they began to diligently monitor her weight to estimate when the pups would arrive. In March, Zoo staff noticed Debbie was spending her time underground, indicating it was time to give birth.

Normally, Meerkat moms keep their newborns secluded underground for up to a week before allowing them to meet with the rest of the family; however, Debbie surprised everyone by introducing the babies after only three days! The four youngsters are now regularly out of their den playing, eating and exploring their habitat. Animal Care staff explains that in Meerkat society, everyone has a job, whether it’s being a sentry or babysitting. Now that the pups are old enough, every member of the family (under the direction of Debbie, of course) will provide the babies with important survival training, including the most important Meerkat behavior: digging. Zoo staff says that, for Meerkats raising new pups, it takes a village—or, in this case, a mob. “The rest of the family, made up of older siblings, is also very involved with raising the pups,” says Liz Johnson, keeper. “They are great babysitters and are constantly checking on them. The pups are very vocal, and their siblings are quick to respond if they call out.” Although their name may cause some confusion, Meerkats are not cats.

The Meerkat, or Suricate (Suricata suricatta), is a small carnivoran belonging to the mongoose family. They are native to all parts of the Namib Desert in Namibia and southwestern Angola, and in South Africa. Gestation for Meerkats is about eleven weeks. In the wild, Meerkats give birth in underground burrows to help keep the newborns safe from predators. To shield the pups from dust in their subterranean homes, they are born with their eyes and ears closed. Meerkat babies are also nearly hairless at birth, though a light coat of silver and brown fur begins to fill in after just a few days. The babies nurse for about nine weeks, and they grow very quickly. Though they weigh only about an ounce at birth, by six months old, the pups are about the same size as the adults. These desert-dwellers are highly social critters and live in groups, called mobs, which can include dozens of individuals from multiple families. Meerkats have scent pouches below their tails and will rub these pouches on rocks and plants to mark their territory. The dark patches around their eyes act to cut down on sun glare and help them see far into the distance.

Meerkats have four toes on each feet and very long, non-retractable claws to help them dig. They can also close their ears to keep dirt out while digging. As a species they have an interesting feeding approach as they will always maintain visual and vocal contact whilst foraging, with one of the group standing on its hind legs and acting as sentry on the lookout for predators. They feed mostly on invertebrates and plant matter. They are currently classified as “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . In the wild, they are present in several large and well-managed protected areas. However, population densities can fluctuate due to predation and rainfall variations. Wild populations are currently stable. However, over the past couple of decades, movies and television shows have brought Meerkats a lot of attention, with many people wondering if they can keep a Meerkat as a pet. Although they may look cute, Meerkats, like all wild animals, do NOT make good pets, and they are illegal to own without the proper permits and licenses! San Diego Zoo guests can see mom Debbie, her four adorable pups and the other 12 members of the mob play, nap and eat in their habitat.

*Bringing species back from the brink of extinction is the goal of San Diego Zoo Global. As a leader in conservation, the work of San Diego Zoo Global includes on-site wildlife conservation efforts (representing both plants and animals) at the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park , and San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research, as well as international field programs on six continents. The work of these entities is inspiring children through the San Diego Zoo Kids network, reaching out through the Internet and in children’s hospitals nationwide. The work of San Diego Zoo Global is made possible by the San Diego Zoo Global Wildlife Conservancy and is supported in part by the Foundation of San Diego Zoo Global. April 11, 2016 Three Meerkat pups recently made their first public appearances at Chester Zoo . Born on January 28, the terrific trio had been kept out of sight by their mum, and the rest of the Meerkat mob, until they were ready to emerge from their underground burrow. For the time being, it is unclear whether the pups are male or female. However, the three are scheduled to undergo their first health check-up soon, and then all will be revealed!

Photo Credits: Chester Zoo The Meerkat, or Suricate (Suricata suricatta), is a small carnivoran belonging to the mongoose family. They are native to all parts of the Namib Desert in Namibia and southwestern Angola, and in South Africa. Gestation for Meerkats is about eleven weeks. In the wild, Meerkats give birth in underground burrows to help keep the newborns safe from predators. To shield the pups from dust in their subterranean homes, they are born with their eyes and ears closed. Meerkat babies are also nearly hairless at birth, though a light coat of silver and brown fur begins to fill in after just a few days. The babies nurse for about nine weeks, and they grow very quickly. Though they weigh only about an ounce at birth, by six months old, the pups are about the same size as the adults. March 14, 2016 The two-month-old Meerkat pups at Taronga Zoo were recently given names to reflect their African heritage. Meet ‘Lwazi’ and his sister ‘Serati’! The playful siblings were born January 7 to first-time mom, Nairobi, and dad, Maputo.

The Zoo has been celebrating this birth of its first Meerkat pups in nearly seven years. Check out our earlier article that introduced the pair: " Meerkat Pups Go Exploring at Taronga Zoo " Photo Credits: Rick Stevens “They may be young, but they’re already showing signs of their own little personalities. Our male is the bigger of the two and he’s more adventurous and inquisitive, while the female is quieter and prefers to stay close to mum,” said Keeper, Courtney Mahony. “This is all new for them and they learn by observing their mum and dad, so we’re very lucky that Nairobi and Maputo are proving to be fantastic and attentive first-time parents. Nairobi is letting the pups suckle and grooming them at the right times and Maputo protects them, huddles over them and curls up with them at night.” Gestation for Meerkats is about eleven weeks. In the wild, Meerkats give birth in underground burrows to help keep the newborns safe from predators. To shield the pups from dust in their subterranean homes, they are born with their eyes and ears closed.

Meerkat babies are also nearly hairless at birth, though a light coat of silver and brown fur begins to fill in after just a few days. These desert-dwellers are highly social critters and live in groups, called mobs, which can include dozens of individuals from multiple families. The babies nurse for about nine weeks, and they grow very quickly. Though they weigh only about an ounce at birth, by six months old, the pups are about the same size as the adults. The Meerkat, or Suricate (Suricata suricatta), is a small carnivoran belonging to the mongoose family. They are native to all parts of the Namib Desert in Namibia and southwestern Angola, and in South Africa. They are currently classified as “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . In the wild, they are present in several large and well-managed protected areas. However, population densities can fluctuate due to predation and rainfall variations. Two Meerkat pups born January 7 at Australia’s Taronga Zoo are already practicing the skills they’ll need as adults.

Photo Credit: Paul Fahy The pups, which are the first to be born at Taronga Zoo in nearly seven years, have just started venturing out of their nest box. At less than one month old, they’re already eating solid food like mealworms and insect larvae. The pups are also practicing to be sentries by standing on their hind legs. Meerkats take turns standing as sentries to protect their social group from predators and other threats. Keepers think that the pups are a male and a female, but the genders will be confirmed later this month when they have their first vaccinations and veterinary exam. Keepers perform quick health checks and weigh-ins regularly to ensure that the pups are healthy and comfortable in the presence of keepers. As with all Meerkat young, the yet-to-be named pups are developing very quickly. Despite only weighing less than an ounce at birth, they now weigh more than a quarter of a pound. Meerkats are native to southern Africa, where they inhabit arid locales such as the Kalahari and Namib Deserts. Living in clans of about 20 individuals, Meerkats construct large networks of underground burrows.

Aside from acting as sentries, they exhibit other social behaviors such as babysitting and protecting young of other group members. Meerkats are not under significant threat and are classified as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. See more photos of the Meerkat pups below. October 30, 2015 The Indianapolis Zoo welcomed two tiny Meerkat pups on October 13. They are the first ever born at the Zoo! This is also the first litter for mom Rue. The births bring the number of Meerkats in the Indy Zoo ’s ‘mob’ up to seven. Photo Credits: Alea Kuczynski / Indianapolis Zoo Gestation for Meerkats is about eleven weeks. In the wild, Meerkats give birth in underground burrows to help keep the newborns safe from predators. To shield the pups from dust in their subterranean homes, they are born with their eyes and ears closed. The Zoo's newcomers opened their eyes for the first time at eleven-days-old. Meerkat babies are also nearly hairless at birth, though a light coat of silver and brown fur begins to fill in after just a few days.

These desert-dwellers are highly social critters and live in groups, called mobs, which can include dozens of individuals from multiple families. Within the Zoo's mob, all of the Meerkats have been taking turns caring for the new pups, including the males. The babies will continue to nurse for about nine weeks, and they grow very quickly. Though they weigh only about an ounce at birth, by six months old, the pups will be about the same size as the adults. Three Slender-tailed Meerkat kits are out of the den at Australia’s Perth Zoo ! Born in September to mom Tilly, the kits have recently opened their eyes and started exploring their habitat. Tilly is an experienced mother – this is her third litter in the past 12 months. Meerkat kits grow quickly, and the kits will soon start to eat insects, meat, and vegetables like the adults. In just a few months, they will be the same size as their parents. Native to southern Africa, Meerkats are extremely social. Living in groups of up to 30 individuals, they forage, hunt, and care for their young as a group.

Like many social animals, they have a wide vocal repertoire to communicate alarm, danger, and contentment. One Meerkat is often on sentry duty, standing erect at the burrow entrance on watch for predators and threats. Meerkats are plentiful in the wild and not under significant threat. Photo Credit: Perth Zoo August 11, 2015 Three new, curious Meerkat pups recently emerged from their burrow, at Zoo Brno , in the Czech Republic. The trio was born about a month ago, and this was the first time mom allowed them to venture out of the den. Photo Credits: Zoo Brno The Meerkat (Suricata suricatta) is a small carnivoran belonging to the mongoose family. It is the only member of the genus Suricata. Meerkats are native to all parts of the Kalahari Desert in Botswana, much of the Namib Desert in Namibia and southwestern Angola, and South Africa. A group of Meerkats is called a “mob”, “gang”, or “clan”. A Meerkat clan often contains about 20 individuals, but some super-families have 50 or more members.

The Meerkat is small, weighing on average about 1.1 to 5.5 lbs. (0.5 to 2.5 kg). Its body length reaches about 14 to 20 inches (35 to 50 cm). The Meerkat uses its tail to balance when standing and for signaling to others. Like cats, Meerkats have binocular vision, their eyes being on the front of their faces. At the end of each of the Meerkat’s ‘fingers’ is a claw used for digging burrows and searching for food. The claws are used in unison with their muscular hind legs to help climb trees. Meerkats have short parallel stripes across their backs, extending from the base of the tail to the shoulders. The pattern of stripes is unique to each Meerkat. The underside has no markings, but the belly has a patch that is only sparsely covered with hair and shows black skin underneath. This area is used to absorb heat while standing upright, usually early in the morning after cold desert nights. Meerkats are primarily insectivores but are known to eat lizards, snakes, scorpions, spiders, eggs, small mammals, plants, and fungi.

They are immune to certain types of venom, including that of the scorpions of the Kalahari Desert. Meerkats forage, in a group, with a sentry on guard watching for predators. Baby Meerkats do not start foraging for food until they are about one-month old, and they are allowed to do so with another older member of the clan acting as a tutor. Meerkats become sexually mature at about two years of age and can have one to four pups in a litter. They are iteroparous and can reproduce any time of the year. The pups are allowed to leave their burrow at two to three weeks of age. The Meerkat exhibit at the Edinburgh Zoo is abuzz with the pitter patter of tiny feet – five babies were born on May 8. Photo Credit: Edinburgh Zoo The babies were born to Queenie, who is also the mother of three pups born earlier this year. The pups spent their first few weeks in the nest box with Queenie, but are now beginning to explore their surroundings. Meerkats live in groups of 3-50 animals called mobs. They are cooperative breeders, which means all adults within the group share the responsibility of raising the pups.

Keepers have yet to name and determine the gender of the little Meerkats. Native to the arid grasslands of southern Africa, Meerkats feed on small lizards, frogs, small birds, millipedes, beetles, grasshoppers, and any type of insect they can find. Groups emerge at dawn to forage, and one Meerkat assumes the role of sentry. This individual stands atop a rock or other high place and keeps watch for predators. The mob is alerted of danger by a repertoire of alarm calls, depending on the severity of the threat. In the wild, Meerkats are not considered under threat. See more photos of the baby Meerkats below.

Question: Meerkats are native to which continent?
Answer: Africa