Welcoming Mini Members to the Meerkat Mob

It’s Meerkat Monday – and our mob has some tiny new members!

Over the weekend, two slender-tailed meerkat pups, born on July 27, were spotted emerging from their burrow for the very first time!

Born to mom ‘Tali’, the pups spent their first few weeks underground, cared for by their close-knit group. Meerkats are social and well known for cooperative care of their young, a behavior called alloparenting. Often, a “babysitter” stays with the pups while mom ventures away from the burrow—in our mob, male ‘Karoo’ has taken on the majority of this important role.

This is nine-year-old Tali’s first litter—and the first litter of meerkat pups born here since 2015! While the pups haven’t yet had their first health exams, both appear strong, healthy, and full of curiosity.

Stop by the African Savannah Building to see if you can spot our Mini Mob —and stay tuned for more pup-dates!