Jordy has been getting to know some mob members.
We’re excited to introduce a meer-velous new addition to Expedition Africa. We recently welcomed Jordy the meerkat to our magnificent mob. This nearly 3-year-old male comes to us as part of a Species Survival Plan (SSP) recommendation in hopes that he will breed with the mob’s current matriarch, Cashew, or Cashew’s oldest daughter, Vixen. SSPs ensure that there are healthy, genetically diverse animals in AZA-accredited zoos.
Our Zoo last welcomed a litter of meerkittens (also called pups) in 2018 to parents Cashew and Kirabo. We had hoped these two would reproduce again in 2022, but sadly, Kirbo passed away in September of that year. After the youngest members of the mob grew up and moved away to other Zoos, our family is now made up of four members, Cashew and her three children: Vixen along with sons Almond and Hazelnut. However, Jordy will not be meeting the two boys since they will be moving onto other Zoos themselves in the near future.
Vixen and Jordy have shown interest in one another.
Meerkats have a unique social structure with mobs made up of one breeding pair and their offspring. Meerkats have a gestation of around 11 weeks and females typically give birth to two to five pups per litter. They can even have several litters in one year! “Babysitting” duty is a shared responsibility when you’re a meerkat; many group members are a part of raising the young pups.
After being in a quarantine period, Jordy was able to be introduced to his new habitat and Cashew and Vixen.
“He was very tentative at first,” said Africa Platform Area Supervisor, Alyssa Simon. “After about 20 minutes, and some coaxing with worms, he came out a bit more and investigated.”
After growing more comfortable with the habitat, he has begun exploring tunnels, scent marking, and digging – all great meerkat behaviors! He has also already begun showing interest in Vixen, which is a good sign that breeding may take place.
While Jordy has only been with us a short time, his animal care team has already begun to uncover his personality.
“So far, Jordy has shown us that he is cautious but inquisitive,” said Alyssa. “I am excited to see how his personality evolves as he gains confidence in his new home.”
He has also proved to be incredibly smart by picking up on target training in just one session, noted Alyssa.
If you’re hoping to spot Jordy for yourself, you can distinguish him by his slightly shorter tail and temporarily lighter coat. Eventually, his blond coloring will turn reddish, like the rest of the mob, due to the darker color clay we use.
We can’t wait to update you further on how Jordy fares with his new meerkat friends and any pregnancy updates that arise!
Special thanks to Flammio Financial Group, Stifel-Garvin Wealth Management Group, Artemis IT, and Jim and Darleen Barfield. Their generosity makes our work possible!
Brevard Zoo is an independent, not-for-profit organization that receives no recurring government funding for our operating costs. Your generous support enables us to continue to serve our community and continue our vital animal wellness, education and conservation programs.