Half term is always a busy time for the Isle of Wight Zoo but from this weekend (15th February) an expanded family of meerkats is guaranteed to put the ‘mob’ into proceedings and new meerkat encounter experiences are set to cause a stir.
Not everyone knows that the collective name for these endearing African animals is a ‘mob’ and sometimes a ‘gang’ or ‘clan’ but, with the addition of new male meerkats to the Zoo’s now 9-strong group, it is clear to see those terms were earned through playful and mischievous antics.
Just in time for half term, 7 new males have joined females Monica and Mauve. The bigger mob will be enjoying an upgraded enclosure with new logs, scents and surfaces to explore and now visitors can purchase Meerkat Encounter tickets to get into the new environment and join the meerkats for their midday snack.
Animal Manager Marc Fox said:
“Visitors to the zoo can now see first-hand all the fascinating behaviours of the mob which stem from their social and survival systems in the wild where they live in groups with as many as 20 to 30 members. The tight-knit community works together to forage for food, help raise young and defend against larger predators or competitors. Their early warning system never fails to enthral with the sharp-eyed lookout raising the alarm so others can dash to safety in their burrows.”
For more details visit www.isleofwightzoo.com.
Can they find you cheaper insurance?