Zoo saddened by loss of meerkat
The Reid Park Zoo is saddened to share the heartbreaking loss of one of its meerkats. The meerkat passed away in a tunnel collapse over the weekend.
Staff and volunteers have been observing natural tunneling behavior and have been working to prevent cave-ins. Animal care staff has been selectively collapsing tunnels daily.
“Animal welfare is the top priority of all staff members at Reid Park Zoo,” said Zoo Administrator Jason Jacobs. “Animal care staff has already made changes to protocol in an attempt to prevent further injuries. As we continue to make animal welfare a top priority, staff will be evaluating the exhibit and making additional preventative changes.”
Meerkats are not endangered or threatened according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the global listing authority for endangered species. Meerkats are widespread in the western parts of southern Africa.