Meerkat
(Suricata Suricatta)
The meerkat society is ruled by the females. Lead by an alpha female, all other females are prohibited from breeding. If they attempt to breed, the alpha female will attack the culprit and kill any young that are not her own. The reason why the alpha female behaves in this way is because any young that are not her own are taking up valuable food and resources that could be given to her own young, therefore increasing their chances of survival.
FUN FACTS
Animal Class: Mammals.
Distribution: Western parts of Southern Africa, Western and Southern Namibia, Southwestern Botswana, North and West South Africa.
Habitat: Savannah, shrubland, grassland, desert.
Diet: Invertebrates, small mammals and reptiles.
Appearance: Brown-stripe fur, pointed face and large eyes.
Size: 50cm long, including their tail.
Lifespan: Up to 14 years.
CONSERVATION STATUS
Least Concern
Population Trend
Stable
Threats
There are no major threats
Population
Unknown.
Did you know?
They can feed on venomous scorpions as they are immune to the venom that scorpions produce!
See our Meerkats!
There are three Meerkats at Ponderosa Zoo. Their names are Sarabi, Vitani and Zira. Find them next to the picnic area.
Zoo – 01924 235276 / office@ponderosa-centre.co.uk
Lakeside Restaurant – 01924 404604 / lakeside@ponderosa-lakeside.co.uk
Day Care – 01924 404154
Ponderosa Zoo, Off Smithies Lane, Heckmondwike, WF16 0PN
Opening Hours 10am – 4pm on weekdays and 10am – 5pm on weekends.
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