Meerkats

Meerkats at Osnabrück Zoo

Hamsterkiste video

Meerkats are found in the savanna or desert of southern Africa. They live together in large colonies, inhabiting burrows and tunnels underground. They grow to about 25–35 cm long. Their fur is sandy to gray-brown, helping them blend into their surroundings. Their eyes are surrounded by dark rings. Males can weigh up to 800 g.



They have a long, thin tail that they use for support when standing. Meerkats are known for their upright posture: they often stand on their hind legs to watch out for predators. While some keep watch, the others search for food. If danger threatens, the lookouts give an alarm call, and everyone disappears into their burrow. Meerkats dig extensive networks of underground tunnels where they sleep and shelter from the sun.

Meerkats mainly eat insects, spiders and centipedes, which they dig for constantly. But they always stay close to their burrow.

Find out:

1. In Where are meerkats found?
2. Where do they live?
3. How big do they get?
4. What is the tail for?
5. What are the caves where meerkats live used for?
6. What do meerkats eat?

Dark rings surround the eyes

Image: Hamsterkiste

Meerkats constantly keep watch over their surroundings

Image: Hamsterkiste