Taronga Western Plains Zoo celebrates World Meerkat Day

Taronga Western Plains Zoo is today celebrating the fourth annual World Meerkat Day, with the opening of the Waterhole Precinct, which includes an exciting new Meerkat habitat.

A family of five Meerkats now call the Waterhole home having moved into their new home in May while the Zoo was closed due to Covid-19. This group has never been on public display before, having been born in a behind-the-scenes facility. The Zoo now has two Meerkat groups for visitors to enjoy.

The new Meerkat habitat has many features, including a four-metre high sentry post and world-class night facility. The vista from the Waterhole means that with the Meerkats excellent eyesight, that they can almost see the other side of town. Their night house is temperature controlled, as eventually they will be sharing it with four Leopard Tortoise who are set to move in later this year.

As the area is located on the edge of the new Waterhole Café and water play area the Meerkats seem to be enjoying the presence of people and Keepers are now training this new family for encounters and keeper presentations.