Meerkats

Meet the Meerkats at Hobart Zoo and Aquarium

They may not crack jokes like Timon from The Lion King, but Hobart Zoo and Aquarium’s meerkats are just as entertaining—curious, clever, and always on the move.

Our “mob”

You’ll find our “mob” of meerkats buzzing with activity above ground and burrowing beneath the surface, just like they would in the wild plains of South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and Angola. Their underground homes can stretch 15 metres wide, with multiple levels and secret entrances - perfect for a life of digging, foraging, and lookout duty.

How We Keep Our Meerkats Happy and Busy

Enrichment They Can Dig

Our meerkats are given hollowed-out melons, pumpkins, and puzzle feeders stuffed with bugs and treats. It’s more than a snack—it’s a challenge that keeps them sharp and social.
Bug Buffet

Meerkats are natural insect hunters. At Hobart Zoo and Aquarium, they’re treated to a carnivorous feast of crickets, mealworms, and the occasional egg or small prey to mimic their wild diet.
Together Always

Meerkats live in tight family units. If one needs vet care, the whole group goes together—keeping their strong social bonds intact and stress to a minimum.

🐾 Don’t miss the chance to watch them pop up, play, and patrol—our meerkats love to put on a show for curious human visitors, especially during daily feeds and keeper talks.