Vetkoeks Blackjack (VVKM002)
Babysitting, a cooperative behavior that contributes to meerkat pup survival, is the focus of the September Meerkatter. The heroic actions of two babysitters – Vetkoeks Blackjack (VVKM002) and Brussels Sprouts Toadstool (VBSM013) – are highlighted.
It was raining pups on the Kuruman River Reserve this month! Six pups were born to Jaxx dominant female Jub Jub (VJXF160). Fennel (VJXP208), Woof (VJXP209), Sprout (VJXP210), Fifi (VJXP211), Matty G. (VJXP212), and Alvin (VJXP213) all emerged and had their first forage this month. Vetkoeks dominant female Mooncake (VHMF053) gave birth to five pups. Zulus increased by five individuals with the birth of dominant female Leona’s (VZUF070) pups. Four pups of Hogwarts dominant female Salazar (VZUF051) emerged and had their first forage in September. Dik-Diks dominant female Juliet (VGDF009) gave birth to four pups and had their first forage this month as well. Side Quest dominant female Pumba (VZUF048) gave birth to five pups.
Alba Bibu (VALM014)
Alba dominant female Cleopatra (VALF008) is confirmed pregnant. Yearling subordinate females Tress (VALF020) and Chia (VALF023) were evicted and are yet to return. Subordinate adult male Bibu (VALM014) was given his LAST SEEN. Alba had two encounters with Renegades Do Bronx (VRGM003). He was chased away both times but remained close to the group.
Gold Diggers dominant female Goldeneye was pregnant in September but had not given birth by the end of the month. Adult subordinate female Manchego (VGDF054) was evicted, and adult subordinate female Serafina Pekkala (VGDF049) left the group. Sub-adult female Poes (VGDF070) was also missing from the group at the end of the month. Gold Diggers had several encounters with (mostly) Lazuli males including yearlings Pot Belly (VLM317) and Fat Belly (VLM316) and subordinate adult Tinashe (VLM310).
Trackie-Daks Refilwe (VTDF041)
Female dominance at Trackie-Daks was confirmed. Yearling Refilwe (VTDF041) is the group’s new dominant female. She gave birth this month, but her litter has yet to emerge by the end of the month. Habituation is now complete at Trackie-Daks as dominant male Guido (VWM275) consistently drinks from the water bottle, can be weighed and allows close follows by the observers.
Elrond’s Council Snoop Kat (VECF039)
Elrond’s Council dominant female Snoop Kat (VECF039) has a deep open wound on her chest from an injury incurred last month. She was seen to be limping and lethargic. Her radio collar was removed due to significant weight loss. Yearling female Cadenza (VECF059) is wearing the group’s radio collar.
Whiskers Sheila (VWF267)
Photo by Matt Shard
Female dominance at Whiskers is confirmed. Sheila (VWF267) received submissions from over half of the eligible females in the group. Both she and adult female Bruce are pregnant.
Jaxx subordinate female Brave (VJXF178) and Ubuntu yearling subordinate male Pap (VUBM074) were given their LAST SEEN.
Click here for the September 2025 Meerkatter.
Find the September 2025 Life History Chart here.
The latest Group Territory Map can be found here.
Ubuntu Pap (VUBM074)
Jaxx Brave (VJXF178)