The truth about... meerkats

Meerkats come from very dry regions of southern Africa, they are found in South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique and Zimbabwe.

A meerkat family live in an underground warren, which they dig - all meerkats are excellent diggers.

Did you know…
Meerkats are actually part of the mongoose family!

There can be up to 30 meerkats in a colony, but there are usually around 10. There is usually a dominant pair in charge, our parents, Nelson and Madison are the dominant animals in our group.

The meerkats will take it in turns to be on sentry duty, when they will keep an eye out for danger such as birds of prey. They will also help out with baby sitting duty.

Meerkats eat lots of insects, like termites, flies and butterflies, as well as spiders, scorpions and even small rodents and reptiles, when they can catch them!

Did you know…
Nelson and Madison have had more than 30 babies!

We feed our meerkats three times a day. They have fruit for breakfast, insects for lunch and some protein (eggs, mice or chicks) in the evening.

Click here to download the meerkat factsheet.