Nov 13: The Zoo will be closing early at 2pm, with last entry at 1pm for a private event.

Meerkat

Meerkats belong to the mongoose family and are also known as slender-tailed mongooses. These animals have a tolerance for venom, which is why they can eat scorpions and venomous snakes.

Stable

Threatened

Endangered

Animal Facts

Scientific Name

Suricata suricatta

Range

Angola, Botswana, South Africa, and Namibia

Location in the Zoo

Just outside of the old Natural Encounters building

Cool Animal Fact

Meerkat families are one of the most advanced societies in nature. Members take turns babysitting, foraging for food, mentoring youngsters and sentry duty.