Meerkat
Meerkats are small, highly social mammals native to the arid regions of southern Africa. Known for their upright stance and inquisitive nature, meerkats are a favorite among zoo visitors, especially children. In the wild, they live in large family groups called mobs, working together to dig burrows, forage for food, and keep watch for predators.
Zoos create meerkat enclosures with tunnels, sandy soil, and elevated platforms to replicate their natural environment and encourage burrowing behavior. Keepers often introduce enrichment activities, such as hiding insects in sand piles, to stimulate their natural foraging instincts. Meerkats also serve as excellent ambassadors for teaching about the complexities of animal social structures and teamwork in the wild.