Whiskers Archangel, Gnoll, Raclette and pup Luna
The Whiskers meerkat group is one of the Friends’ favorite groups and certainly the best-known of all the KMP groups. Whiskers has had a rough go of things over the past year. The February Meerkatter details the trials and tribulations of this beloved group following former dominant female Luna’s (VWF235) disappearance in December 2023.
Orlov (VALM026), the Alba pup with a leg injury, disappeared on February 26. He was able to use his injured leg when he was last seen. The KMP observers noted that Alba rallied around this little guy – often feeding him more than he could even consume.
Brussels Sprouts Dropke
Photo by Lily Hambric
Brussels Sprouts dominant female Arabella’s (VMPF035) single pup, Dropke (VBSF015), emerged for the first time this month and joined the group on her first forage. Brussel’s Sprouts now numbers seven individuals with the addition of this solo pup. Former Zulus adult subordinate female Leona, aka The Unit (VZUF070),
Zulus Leona in 2024
was seen foraging with Brussels Sprouts adult subordinate male, Gurke (VHMM036), and later went down into the Brussels Sprouts’ sleeping burrow before being chased off. Leona is considered emigrated out of Zulus. Despite this, Leona has stayed close to her natal group. Zulus had 16 encounters with her this month. On a couple of occasions, she sneaked into the Zulus sleeping burrow.
Gold Diggers dominant female Goldeneye (VGDF007) gave birth in February, but the three pups have not been seen since a burrow move and the litter is considered LOST. Lazuli adult subordinate male Subigubi (VUBM050) was seen mating with Goldeneye. He was chased away by Gold Diggers dominant male Shrew (VUBM018).
Lazuli Dominant Male Rogelio de la Vega
Lazuli dominant female Masiiwa (VLF308) also gave birth this month, but dominant male Rogelio de la Vega (VGDM015) was seen killing one of the pups. This litter is also considered LOST.
Ubuntu Pups with Babysitter Pap
Ubuntu dominant female Agazoth (VUBF039) and yearling subordinate female Hotfoot (VUBF039) gave birth this month. Six pups have emerged.
Five pups at Renegades have emerged. Both dominant female Ricky Baker (VGDF031) and adult subordinate female Maya II (VGDF039) have submandibular lumps, along with other injuries, however these have been determined not to be tuberculosis.
Vetkoeks Blackjack with Snake-bite Injury
Renegades Maya II with Pups. Photo by Makgabo
Two of Vetkoeks’ dominant female Mooncake’s (VHMF053) three pups were given their LAST SEEN, most likely predated by a snake. Yearling male Blackjack (VVKM002), who was babysitting when they disappeared, was seen with head injuries consistent with those of a snake bite. He is currently blind in one eye, thin and has facial swelling and necrosis.
Find the February 2025 Meerkatter here.
Click here for the February 2025 Life History Chart.
The February 2025 Group Territories Map can be found here.