Why support is needed

Status Meerkats are currently categorised as Least Concern on the IUCN red list and have a fairly stable population trend. However, the IUCN has not officially assessed the population since February 2015.

Danger

1. Growing human population and clearing of land for livestock is having a negative impact on their lives.

2. Meerkat gangs that live closer to settlements or areas where domestic animals graze have been known to contract Bovine diseases and rabies that can affect whole populations.

3. Because they look cute, Meerkats are often taken as pets. However, when they reach sexual majority they often start to bite and this is when humans try to get rid of them.

What Na'an ku sê does Na'an ku sê rescue and rehabilitate a number of Meerkat of every year and offer expert veterinary and behavioural care to all those who pass through their sanctuary. However, Meerkats cannot be released until they are part of an established gang of at least 10 individuals. This means that Naankuse works hard to try and introduce rescued Meerkats to each other and build up solid gang dynamics. Of course, not all Meerkat work well together and this is a long and complicated process that involves very delicate behavioural monitoring. Although the aim is always to release as many animals as possible, some Meerkat do end up being in care for longer periods of time as the staff work to create this gang to make them viable for release.

Currently, there is a growing population of Meerkat at Naankuse and therefore the sanctuary is in need of expanding and developing their enclosures. Proper enclosures are a vital part of animal care as they help stimulate the animals, keep their natural instincts alive, and prevent the development of stereotypic behaviours. As burrows and group living is a very important part of Meerkat behaviour, it's even more important that they have enclosures that reflect this. Any donations towards this fundraiser would go a long way in making sure that Naankuse can offer these Meerkats the highest quality care while they wait for their release.