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.

Meet our Meerkats!

Come face to face with our Meerkats at Ponderosa Zoo! Help feed them, take photos, and find out everything you want to know about your favourite animal.

Adopt a Meerkat!

Adopt a Meerkat and receive lots of goodies, including a certificate, a magnet, a bookmark, a free ticket to Ponderosa Zoo for the adopter and more!

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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