Donate a meal for a little orphaned meerkat

The Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital is calling upon Joburg residents to donate a meal for a little orphaned meerkat (Suricata suricatta).

According to the veterinary hospital, the meerkat is around three weeks old and currently drinking a milk formula as well as being introduced to insects and grubs.

“It is critical to ensure that we provide a nutritious diet to fulfil her dietary requirements, especially while she is developing and growing at a rapid rate. Currently, #OneMeal costs R4. Feeding up to six times a day, it costs about R26 per day to keep her tummy full. We’d love it if you’d sponsor her next meal,” the veterinary hospital said in a statement.

They also warned that it is illegal to keep a meerkat as a pet, adding that the illegal pet trade is rife and meerkats are often seen as ‘cute’ or ‘fun’ pets.

“As they are wild animals, we often receive meerkats, once older, as their natural instinct kicks in, and they bite or assert their territory. As cute as they seem, they are also social creatures and much of their well-being depends on living in a social network with other meerkats, which often involves a social hierarchy.

“This isn’t something that can easily be mimicked in a domestic environment without the necessary expertise and knowledge of the species. Without companionship, meerkats often succumb to stress, and can exhibit seemingly aggressive behaviour because of this.”

The veterinary hospital urges residents who are keeping a meerkat or know someone who has one, to report to their local SPCA.

Details: Please scan to donate a meal: https://pos.snapscan.io/qr/PXMP5766
(our other donation channels are always available here: https://www.johannesburgwildlifevet.com/make-a-donation.html)

Related articles: 

https://www.citizen.co.za/midrand-reporter/205920/joburgers-help-otter-cub-get-mend/

https://www.citizen.co.za/midrand-reporter/204555/theres-no-passing-the-buck-at-wildlife-hospital/