Small mammals like meerkats are popular zoo exhibits but have specific welfare needs including complex social groups, foraging enrichment, and thermoregulation support that require careful management.
Meerkat welfare in zoos depends heavily on appropriate social group management and foraging enrichment. The suppression of subordinate breeding by dominant females causes chronic social stress in overcrowded groups — careful group size management prevents welfare problems from reproductive conflict. Thermoregulation needs are significant: meerkats from arid southern African habitats suffer in cold, damp temperate climates without heated indoor areas and access to radiant heat sources for sunning. Foraging enrichment — requiring meerkats to dig, search, and problem-solve for food — is the most important single welfare improvement available and significantly reduces stereotypic behavior and inactivity. Zoos with engaged meerkat exhibits demonstrate the positive welfare outcomes achievable with thoughtful management.