Where to see Meerkats in the UK
56 places to meet one
Charles J. Sharp, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
A sociable desert mongoose that posts sentries while the group forages.
The meerkat is a small, social mammal belonging to the Herpestidae family. These lively creatures are native to the arid regions of southern Africa, particularly in countries like Botswana and Namibia. Meerkats thrive in burrows and live in large family groups called mobs, which help them stay safe from predators. Their diet mainly consists of insects, small reptiles, and plants, making them opportunistic foragers. Fortunately, meerkats are classified as of least concern in terms of conservation, thanks to their stable populations in the wild. An interesting fact about meerkats is their unique behaviour of standing upright on their hind legs to survey their surroundings for danger. UK families can enjoy seeing these fascinating animals up close at various zoos and wildlife parks across the country.
Plan a day around meerkats
All Things Wild is a family-friendly attraction in Worcestershire that combines animal encounters with fun outdoor and indoor activities.
BCA Zoo offers a unique opportunity to observe a variety of animals while supporting the training of future animal care professionals.
Battersea Park Children's Zoo offers a delightful experience for families in London, featuring a variety of animals and play areas for young visitors.
Belfast Zoo offers a diverse range of animal exhibits and engaging educational experiences for visitors of all ages.
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Blackpool Zoo offers a fun and educational experience with a wide variety of animals in a family-friendly environment.
Bristol Zoo Project offers an engaging experience with a variety of wildlife while promoting conservation efforts.
Butterfly World offers a captivating experience with a diverse range of butterflies and other fascinating animals.
Farm Park
C&J's Animal Park
Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon
C&J's Animal Park offers visitors a chance to meet a variety of animals in a family-friendly environment.
Chew Valley Animal Park offers an engaging experience with a variety of animals and interactive activities for families.
Cotswold Wildlife Park offers an engaging experience with a diverse range of animals in a beautiful park setting.
Dartmoor Zoo offers an engaging experience with a variety of animal species in a scenic setting.
Drayton Manor Zoo offers an engaging wildlife experience within a larger amusement park setting.
Drusillas Park offers a unique blend of zoo and amusement park experiences for families in East Sussex.
Edinburgh Zoo offers an exciting opportunity to see over 2,500 animals while supporting wildlife conservation efforts.
Exotic Zoo Wildlife Park offers an engaging experience with a variety of animal habitats in Telford.
Fife Zoo is a family-operated wildlife park in Scotland that offers engaging animal encounters and promotes conservation efforts.
Filey Zoo offers a delightful experience for animal lovers of all ages with a diverse range of species to observe and interact with.
Finkley Down Farm offers a delightful mix of animal encounters and adventure activities for families.
Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo offers a diverse range of attractions for families in Pembrokeshire.
Gauntlet Birds of Prey offers an exciting experience with a wide variety of birds and interactive events.
Hanwell Zoo offers an engaging experience with a variety of animals in a community-focused setting.
Hemsley Conservation Centre is a small zoo in Kent focused on wildlife conservation and education.
Hobbledown is a whimsical adventure park and zoo in Epsom that offers a blend of play areas and animal encounters.
Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park offers a unique blend of farmyard fun and exotic animal experiences in Suffolk.
Knowsley Safari Park offers an exciting wildlife experience with a variety of animals and interactive activities for families.
Lincolnshire Wildlife Park offers a diverse range of animals and engaging experiences for families.
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Longleat offers a unique wildlife experience where visitors can encounter a variety of animals in a stunning park setting.
Manor Wildlife Park offers an engaging experience with a variety of animals in a beautiful setting.
Marwell Zoo offers an engaging family experience with a variety of animals in a spacious outdoor setting.
Millets Wildside Falconry and Wildlife Centre offers an engaging experience with a variety of birds of prey and other animals.
The Butterfly House and Mini Zoo offers an engaging experience with various animals and insects in a family-friendly setting.
Monkey Haven is a sanctuary on the Isle of Wight dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating primates and other animals.
Noah's Ark Zoo Farm offers a family-friendly experience with a wide variety of animals and engaging activities.
The North Somerset Bird of Prey Centre offers an engaging experience focused on the conservation and education of birds of prey.
Northumberland Zoo offers a diverse range of over 80 animal species in a family-friendly environment.
Oasis Camel Park offers a unique opportunity to interact with camels and other friendly animals in a tranquil Suffolk setting.
Peak Wildlife Park offers an engaging experience with a variety of exotic animals in a family-friendly environment.
Pettitts Animal Adventure Park offers a fun-filled day with live shows and various animal attractions.
Pili Palas Nature World offers a delightful experience for families with a variety of animals and play areas.
Ponderosa Zoo in West Yorkshire is a family-friendly destination featuring over 100 animals and engaging play areas.
Porfell Wildlife Park & Sanctuary is a charming family-run refuge for animals located in South East Cornwall.
Puxton Park is a family-friendly adventure park located in Somerset, offering a variety of activities and animal interactions.
Rodbaston Animal Zone offers an engaging experience with a variety of animals and educational activities for families.
The Screech Owl Sanctuary offers a unique opportunity to engage with owls and other animals while supporting wildlife conservation efforts.
Sealife Adventure Aquarium offers a unique blend of aquatic and terrestrial wildlife experiences in Southend-On-Sea.
Shepreth Wildlife Park offers a diverse range of animals and engaging experiences for visitors of all ages.
The Fenn Bell Conservation Project is a unique zoo in Medway, Kent, dedicated to animal rescue and education.
The Wildheart Animal Sanctuary offers a unique opportunity to see rescued wildlife on the Isle of Wight.
Tilgate Zoo offers an engaging experience with a diverse range of animals and interactive activities.
The Tropical Butterfly House offers a vibrant experience filled with exotic wildlife and interactive activities for families.
Tropical World offers an immersive experience featuring a variety of exotic animals in a lush indoor environment.
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Twycross Zoo offers an exciting day out with a variety of animal experiences and events throughout the year.
Wales Ape and Monkey Sanctuary is a dedicated rescue centre for primates and other animals located in the scenic Brecon Beacons.
Wingham Wildlife Park is a family-run zoo in Kent featuring a diverse array of animals and engaging experiences.
Wynford Farm Park offers a delightful day out with a variety of activities and animal encounters in Aberdeen.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park offers an immersive wildlife experience with a focus on conservation, located near Doncaster.