Say hello to our little friends
Published on 13 September 2021
Six meerkats are set to make their public debut at Rockhampton Zoo from this week, just in time for the September school holidays.
The new meerkat mob now call the Rockhampton Region home – after arriving all the way from Taronga Zoo last Friday.
Councillor for Parks, Sport and Public Spaces, Cherie Rutherford, said the new arrivals settled into their new home over the weekend and that visitors will be able to see them in their enclosure from this morning.
“There has been a lot of anticipation from the community around the new meerkats and we are thrilled to announce that the wait is over and that they are here,” Cr Rutherford said.
“It’s a perfect way to celebrate the school holidays coming up and I know this adorable family are going to be a sure favourite for many visitors.
“Once they have been with us for a little longer, we will also recommence our meerkat experiences,” Cr Rutherford said.
“We are anticipating that this will be in about a months’ time – but be sure to keep an eye out on the Zoo and Council’s Facebook pages for updates.”
Cr Rutherford said the meerkat mob is a family made up of a dad and his five sons.
“The father is Maputo, who is eight years old, and his sons - Lwazi, Moagi, Savuti, Ntsumi and Nzima - range between five and three years of age.
“They are each doing really well in their new area and are loving the enclosure.”
The enclosure includes lots of nooks and crannies for the meerkats to tunnel in, and high sentry posts to climb and a night house. Being desert dwellers traditionally, there are also heat lamps for when nights drop below 18 degrees.
The new additions take the place of the four female meerkats previously at Rockhampton Zoo.
“The girls are doing really well in their new home at Paradise Country in the Gold Coast,” Cr Rutherford said.
“It was wonderful having them here and while we miss them, we are really excited to have the six boys here and can’t wait for the community to be able to meet them.”
The meerkat mob, along with all animals of the Zoo, can be visited between 10am and 4pm each day. Entry to the Zoo is free.
The Rockhampton Zoo is owned and operated by Rockhampton Regional Council.