MEERKAT
ART: IMAGINATIVE
Meerkat is a Robimal who likes to imagine how to make interesting art.
Coloring Activity Page
Meet a Real Meerkat
Cool Facts: Meerkats are small, social mammals known for their upright posture and playful behavior. They belong to the mongoose family and have a distinctive look with dark eye patches, a pointed snout, and a long tail. Meerkats are famous for their "standing guard" behavior, where one meerkat keeps watch while others forage or play.
Where They Live: Meerkats live in the arid regions of southern Africa, including deserts and grasslands. They are well adapted to their dry environment and thrive in places like the Kalahari Desert and the Namib Desert.
Where They Sleep: Meerkats sleep in burrows that they dig themselves. These burrows are complex tunnel systems with multiple entrances and chambers. The burrows provide a cool and safe place to sleep, escape the heat, and stay protected.
Home Life and Social: Meerkats live in large groups called mobs, gangs, or clans. These groups can consist of up to 50 individuals. Meerkat families are very close-knit, and they take care of each other. Baby meerkats, called pups, are looked after by the entire group, not just their parents.
Friendships: Meerkats are incredibly social and spend a lot of time interacting with each other. They groom each other to strengthen social bonds and communicate through various vocalizations, including chirps, barks, and purrs.
What They Do for Fun: Meerkats are playful and curious. They love to wrestle, chase, and play games with each other. They also enjoy exploring their surroundings and digging new tunnels in their burrows.
Size of the Animal: Meerkats are small animals, typically measuring about 10 to 14 inches in length, not including their tail, which adds another 7 to 10 inches. They usually weigh around 1.5 to 2 pounds.
Power Level: Meerkats may be small, but they are incredibly agile and quick. Their strong forelimbs and sharp claws make them excellent diggers. Their keen sense of sight and hearing help them stay alert to their surroundings.
Lifespan: In the wild, meerkats typically live to be around 6 to 8 years old. In captivity, with proper care, they can live up to 12 years or more.
First Known: Meerkats have been known to humans for centuries and are featured in many African folk tales and stories. They have been observed and studied extensively due to their unique social behaviors and cooperative lifestyle.
