What do you know about Meerkats?

The Meerkat is in the mongoose family with a slender body, tapering tail and long thin legs equipped with powerful claws.

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.

Meerkats live in groups of up to 50 individuals, are expert diggers and have multiple burrows that they sleep in at night. During the day they forage with one Meerkat always looking out for predators, on sentry duty.

These are just a few facts to pique your interest, now it’s your turn to find out more and complete our short quiz below. Refer to our 'Animals' page on this website for help or read our signage at the zoo when you come and visit:

  1. What are groups of Meerkats called?
  2. What do Meerkats eat?
  3. How long do Meerkats live in the wild?
  4. How many ‘babies’ do Meerkats generally give birth to each time?
  5. What are Meerkat ‘babies’ called?

So how about you come along and meet our furry little Meerkats at the zoo?  If you really want to get to know them and enjoy an experience of a lifetime, book a Meerkat encounter. You’ll be taken on a behind the scenes tour of their enclosure where you can hand feed Taabu, Kito and Faraji. 

And if you are one of those people who absolutely adore our Meerkats, check out our popular retail shop for a furry friend to take home with you. (While you’re here make sure you grab a bite from our renovated café with delicious and affordable food or bring a picnic or BBQ lunch. Enjoy our lush tranquil grounds with a children’s playground to entertain the littlies.)