Moon Moon (VTSM022) Photo by Life History Coordinator Sian Seymour
Trackie-Daks (formerly known as Tswana 2) officially has a dominant male, adult Coquillette (VTSM014). In order to declare a meerkat dominant within a group, more than half of the individuals of the same sex within that group need to be observed submitting to that meerkat.
After missing for almost two weeks, Trackie-Daks subordinate sub-adult male, Moon Moon (VTSM022), reappeared with the group with a mummified left hind leg. Since he was most likely ensnared by a man-made object, the decision was made to amputate his leg. Moon Moon has made a full recovery and is adjusting to life as a three-legged meerkat.
The morning of the 23rd started as a normal and fairly uneventful session at Make-e-plan. As per usual, the dominant female Bridget (VQLF011) and dominant male Banksia (VVHM117), subordinate adult male Thorn (VMPM027) and yearling subordinate female Vivienne (VMPF038) were taking their guarding duties seriously, while the rest of the group spent the morning foraging. Suddenly, the group started making a lot of noise around a dead tree. The observer approached the tree and saw a huge monitor lizard burst out and retreat into a hole.
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Click here for the April Life History Chart.