Earlier this year, I travelled to the Makgadikgadi Pans region of Botswana to photograph some of the most charismatic (and cutest) creatures in Africa – meerkats!
Meerkats are members of the mongoose family and are found in the desert region of Southern Africa. They are social animals, living in large family groups. They sleep in underground networks and during the day they venture out of their dens in search of for food. A meerkat’s diet consists mainly of scorpions, beetles, lizards, eggs and small mammals.
Meerkats forage in groups with at least one sentry on duty at all times. They need to be extremely vigilant while they are out in the open so that they aren’t surprised by predators such as birds of prey or jackals. Meerkats aren’t very tall so they try to seek out the high ground in order to get a better view of their surroundings. The higher the vantage point the better so they will go to impressive lengths to find that perfect lookout post!
These meerkats are completely wild but over time they have become habituated to humans. This means it is possible to gain their trust and get really close to them. When people are around, these clever little creatures take full advantage of the situation and will sometimes climb on top of the nearest person for a better view out over the long grass. Sometimes they just decide that sitting on a warm human is more comfortable that sitting on the coarse sand!
Trying to photograph animals that jumped on me whenever I got too close was certainly a challenge that I wasn’t used to facing… not that I was complaining! For a behind the scenes look at this project including lots of amusing meerkat antics, check out this short 2-minute video.
One of the highlights of my time in Botswana was getting to spend time with some adorable three-week-old baby meerkats. These tiny babies first emerged from the den a day or so into my trip and after that I spent a lot of time with them so they became very comfortable around me. In fact, it wasn’t long before they were treating me like their own personal plaything!
Meerkats are charming little creatures and spending time with them is always a privilege. For more photos check out my meerkat image gallery. You can also get more behind the scenes photos and video by following me on Instagram.
You are a wonderful photographer and it is a pleasure to view your work.
Amazing photography and loved the video x
very touching! this made my day!
Delightful. Thank you for sharing your story and great images.
WOW! what did you tell the meerkats to pose for a shooting session with you? wonderful!
I love it all, photos, videos and story..how lucky are you to be surrounded by these cute little creatures and privelged with their trust, thank you for sharing
It’s a pleasure and a challenge to get a wild animal to trust in you. It’s a great feeling when they become your “friend” I have a squirrel friend in my backyard … not quite as cool as a meerkat. I really enjoyed your pictures , thank you :o)
I love these little guys. They have a great range of them at the Calgary Zoo in Alberta Canada. it is wonderfully set up for the little ones. When ever we go, I spend hours just watching them play and frolic about. I would so love to hold one, or at least pet one. Lovely work you do. Thanks for sharing.
Amazing meerkats n nice video. I ‘m always to see ur photos…
Thank you for sharing this awesome video.
These creatures made me laugh so hard. They are hilarious . Would love a comedy animation about them
I loved watching this video. These little guys are so adorable and busy!
Thanks for sharing…I can’t wait to see your next photography session(s) with nature…
As always, you have captured very special moments!
Since my childhood i love this cats, some day might i get chance to see them and take photos like you….
Awesome