Alba Orlov with injured foreleg
Photo by Sofya Melnikova
Late rains in the Kuruman River Reserve have extended the meerkat breeding season. There were 22 pregnancies recorded in March. The more rain, the more resources there are for the meerkats. How the different groups manage so many simultaneous pregnancies varies. This month’s Meerkatter highlights how two groups – Elrond’s Council and Dik-Diks – handled these multiple pregnancies during the month.
Elrond’s Council Dominant Male Jonsnow (VECM070)
A few pups were given their LAST SEEN in March including Alba Orlov (VALM026), Side Quest Boo (VSIM044), and Brussels Sprouts solo pup, Dropke (VBSF015).
Male dominance has been confirmed at Elrond’s Council with Jonsnow (VECM070) taking on the top male position. Male dominance is still unconfirmed at Jaxx. Jaxx former dominant male Sneaky (VJXM170) is considered to have emigrated out of the group.
Trackie-Daks VTD2501/VTD2502 litter pups
Trackie-Daks pups Kibo (VTDF049), Sip (VTDP050), Timone (VTDF051) and Meeko (VTDF052) foraged with the group for the first time this month. Ubuntu’s six pups – Pawpaw (VUBM080), Moppie (VUBF081), Fifi (VUBP082), Stella (VUBF083), Baba (VUBF084), and Koka (VUBM085) – joined their family on their first forage as well.
Zulus Dominant female Spruddel – March 7, 2025
Sadly, beloved, long-time Zulus dominant female Spruddel (VZUF028), was predated on her birthday, March 10th. She was pregnant at the time. That same day, her daughter, Leona aka The Unit (VZUF070), immigrated back into the group after having been evicted and took over as the group’s dominant female.
At Renegades, dominant female Ricky Baker (VGDF031) and pup VRGP005 were not with the group on March 25th and had not returned by the end of the month.
Vetkoeks dominant female Mooncake (VHMF053) is one of the many meerkats that is pregnant this month. Juvenile female Brownie (VVKF020) was given her LAST SEEN. Despite the loss of Brownie, the group is finally increasing their numbers.
Hogwarts Hedwig, Severus Snape, Dobby with dominant male Caraxes (VHWM004)
Ubuntu Pawpaw (VUBM080) and Koka (VUBM085)
Hogwarts dominant female Salazar (VZUF051) gave birth this month and five pups have emerged. True to their group name, these little pups were all named after Harry Potter characters.
Finally, at Whiskers, female pups Amarula (VWF280) and Anita (VWF282), subordinate male Gojo Satoru (VWM274) and juvenile female Bubblegum (VWF278) were all given their LAST SEEN. The group now numbers 10 individuals.
Vetkoeks Seabiscuit (VVKM022) and Ody (VVKM021)
Find the March 2025 Meerkatter here.
Click here for the March 2025 Life History Chart.
The March 2025 Group Territories map can be found here.