Meerkat
Common Name:
Meerkat
Scientific Name:
Suricata suricatta
IUCN Status:
Least Concern
Meerkats and Porcupines off Exhibit
The Zoo is upgrading the Meerkat and Porcupine habitat at the Small Mammal House. The meerkats and porcupines will be off exhibit January 20 - 25 during the habitat upgrades.
Risks: Risks to meerkats include human conflict and loss of habitat.
Diet: Their diet includes insects, small vertebrates, eggs and plant matter.
Height: 35 to 50 cm head to body length and tail length is 25 cm.
Weight: 0.5 to 2.5 kg
Lifespan: A meerkat's lifespan is up to 8 years in the wild and 14 in a zoo.
Fun Facts
- They use their tail to balance when standing upright.
- Meerkats are immune to certain types of venom.
- Meerkats hang out in large groups called a mob.
- They live in the dry scrublands of the Kalahari desert.
About Us
The meerkats are located inside the Small Mammal House along with the African Crested Porcupines.
Learn more about the mob of meerkats at the Zoo!