Meerkats are highly social mongoose species with complex group dynamics. Understanding their social and environmental needs helps evaluate welfare in zoo settings where they are popular exhibits.
Meerkats appear content in zoo settings — their alertness and activity provide engaging visitor displays. But beneath the surface, inadequate burrowing substrate, insufficient group size, or inappropriate social composition can cause chronic stress and aggression. Zoos that house meerkats well provide deep sandy substrate, complex burrow systems, elevated sentinel points, and appropriately sized social groups. Those that do not may create conditions of chronic stress despite the animals appearing active.