Meerkat
Suricata suricatta
Here at Banham Zoo
Meet our lively mob of slender-tailed meerkats�Grub, Goose, and Gollum! These curious creatures love basking in the Norfolk sunshine� second only to their favourite treat, mealworms. In the wild, meerkats take turns standing guard, watching out for predators like eagles and jackals. Luckily, there�s little danger at Banham Zoo, so our meerkats spend their days sunbathing, foraging, and playfully digging in their habitat.
Where Do I Live?
Southern Africa
Meerkats are found in southern Africa where they inhabit dry, open areas where the ground is often hard and stony.
What Do I Eat?
Meerkats feed on insects, scorpions and spiders. They will also feed on small birds, Mammals, eggs and vegetable matter.
How Do I Breed?
Each family within the colony will contain a pair of adults and their young. Females have between two and five young after a pregnancy of around eleven weeks.
Together, we protect wildlife
Conservation status
Least Concern (LC)
Lowest risk of endangerment.
Slender-tailed meerkats are not believed to be endangered and their numbers are stable in the wild.
Some Helpful Links
Where is the
Meerkat
located?
Our
Meerkat
is located in our
Entrance Zone
, map reference
3
.
What’s the best time to see the animals?
The best time to see our animals is often during feeding times or in the cooler parts of the day when they are most active. Check our daily timetable for keeper talks and feeding sessions for an up-close look! Our habitat signage also includes helpful hints and tips to make the most of your visit.
How do you ensure the animals' welfare?
Animal welfare is our top priority. We provide species-specific habitats, enrichment activities, and expert veterinary care to ensure all our animals thrive.
