Vetkoeks L to R Zuma VZUM059, Seabiscuit VVKM022 and Ody VVKM021
Vetkoeks meerkat group is highlighted in the December 2025 Meerkatter. The importance of group territory and its influence on the group’s long-term survival is described in detail.
December is the height of the meerkat breeding season in the Kalahari. Dominant females from multiple groups gave birth including Alba’s Cleopatra (VALF008), Brussels Sprouts’ Arabella (VMPF035), Gold Diggers’ Goldeneye (VGDF007), Lazuli’s Masiiwa (VLF308) and Trackie-Daks Refilwe (VTDF041). Jaxx dominant female Jub Jub (VJXF160) and Hogwarts dominant female Salazar (VZUF051) are pregnant as are Alba subordinate sub-adult Little Creek (VALF033), Gold Diggers subordinate females Peanut (VGDF047), Serafina Pekkala (VGDF049) and Manchego (VGDF054), yearling Aajpe (VGDF068), and Trackie-Daks subordinate sub-adults Kibo (VTDF049) and Timone (VTDF051). Gold Diggers subordinate yearling female Shambles (VGDF066) aborted her litter. Dik-Diks eldest subordinate female Shelby ‘s (VGDF022) litter was lost before emergence. Elrond’s Council subordinate yearling female Cadenza (VECF059) gave birth to four pups. Two pups emerged at Side Quest, 4 at Trackie-Daks, 4 at Ubuntu, 6 at Vetkoeks, 5 at Zulus and one at Dik-Diks. Side Quest pup (VSIP060) has an injured hide leg resulting in a serious limp. Dik-Diks pup Binky (VDDM034) and Jaxx pup VJXU218 went missing and are assumed predated.
Whiskers Peppa (VWP290) center
Photo by Matt Shard
Whiskers Butternut (VWF299) left
Photo by Matt Shard
Whiskers lost three pups in December. Peppy (VWP290) did not wake up with the group on the 15th. Simz (VWF297) left the group on the 24th and did not return. Butternut (VWF299) was killed by Vetkoeks during an intergroup interaction (IGI).
Elrond’s Council Jonsnow (VECM070)
Elrond’s Council Nalane (VECF067)
Female dominance remains unconfirmed at Elrond’s Council. Yearling males Goujon (VECM062) and Bazooka (VECM065) are considered emigrated out. Dominant male Jonsnow (VECM070), and yearlings Seven (VECM069) and Nalane (VECF067) are all showing signs of tuberculosis.
Click here for the December 2025 Meerkatter.
Find the December 2025 Life History Chart here.
For the latest Territory Map click here.
Elrond’s Council Seven (VECM069)