Four meerkat pups were born on May 23 at the Toledo Zoo.
Like all meerkat pups, when born these were mostly hairless, with their eyes and ears shut. Their eyes
opened when they were about two weeks old, and at about three weeks of age they started eating solid
food and exploring outside the family’s underground burrows. These burrows are complex structures that
include mounds, access holes, tunnels and sleeping chambers.
The new pups are on exhibit in Tembo Trail with their older siblings, all born within the last year: a
female and two males born on Feb. 23, and a male born on Nov. 26, 2013. The best times to see the new
pups are in the morning and in late afternoon.
Native to Africa, meerkats are carnivorous (meat eaters), and they belong to the mongoose family. A group
of meerkats is called a "mob" or "gang." Meerkats are about 12 inches long and weigh
about 2 pounds. They are not endangered.
Also new at the zoo this year are Flamingo Key, Penguin Beach and ‘Keet Retreat, which opened May 23.
Flamingo Key, sponsored by Toledo Express Airport, shows off the "avian supermodels" that are
back at the zoo for the first time in decades.
Near the historic Aquarium, Penguin Beach leads you right through the penguins’ exhibit, along with daily
keeper-led penguin feeds sponsored by ProMedica.
Just a couple minutes away, ‘Keet Retreat, sponsored by BP, offers a fun new walk-through encounter with
these bright, friendly little birds.