C

Chico the lone meerkat

Chico the last meerkat at the LA Zoo, waiting for a new habitat mate coming from Virginia
Welcome to zoochat chico,

Please say that this little fella has been alone a very short time and that new meerkats are coming very soon.

I find it so dam frustrating how negligent many zoos are when it comes to haveing highly social animals in solitary.

I figure a animal does not have awareness to know others will be there next week!! Each hour of each day would be painfull for them!!
 
I agree with Zooman, as it has been an absolute disgrace that this solitary meerkat has been alone for at least 6 months now.
 
Shame on the LA ZOO.

I know there are a couple of LA Zoo people on here. What exactly does the zoo say about this?
 
The problem with many social animals like meerkats is getting a new group to accept a lone animal. That integration doesn't always go well with meerkats.
 
Interesting chat today with a meerkat keeper.

We chatted forawhile about Chico and his situation.

Aparentley given just how many meerkats there are in North America finding him a couple of females should not be a problem.

Ideally a couple of reasonably submissive females. This would aparentley work just fine!

They would take over control Chico would be happy. Not allot to it. Yes l am now very aware just how complicated the meerkat social structure is now. Its just that all he needs is a couple of gentle females to start with. This does not apparrentley take 6 months!

Would love to hear how LA Zoos publicity department justify it!
 
I 100% agree with you Zooman, and the Los Angeles Zoo is probably too concerned with its controversial elephant habitat and invisible golden monkeys to worry about a solitary meerkat. They've already spent around $7 million on a golden monkey exhibit, and it has been completed and been sitting empty for at least 8 months now...and who knows for sure whether or not the $42 million elephant exhibit will even be constructed?
 
Hi here are the links to Chico's videos and petition. It's been since Jan 2008. a meerkat is on the way from Virginia. It was a interesting journey to help him but finally we got results. No protests, just constant media attention. I prefer not to comment on the zoo at this time. Chris

YouTube - Save Chico the Meerkat at the LA Zoo-Part 1
YouTube - Save Chico the Meerkat at the LA Zoo-Part 2
YouTube - Chico the Lone Meerkat - One Voice
YouTube - Chico the Lone Meerkat
YouTube - Dedicated to Chico

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/Help-Chico-live-like-a-meerkat-should


LA Times Story:
http://www.latimes.com/enterta
inment/news/la-et-meerkat...aug28,0,149657.story

KABC7 Story
abc7.com: KABC - Los Angeles - Southern California - LA Breaking News, Weather, Traffic, Sports
media?id=6358020

KCAL9/CBS2 Story
cbs2.com - Video Library

______________________________________
 
Social problems

The problem with many social animals like meerkats is getting a new group to accept a lone animal. That integration doesn't always go well with meerkats.

This is very true. A zoo in the UK put vicks vapor rub on them to mask the scent. It worked. Chico is 9 this month and the meerkat coming is older. Chico came from Louisville Zoo to LA and blended well with Spanky but he died after 6 months of being together. Chico been alone 10 months. Chris
 
Hi here are the links to Chico's videos and petition. It's been since Jan 2008. a meerkat is on the way from Virginia. It was a interesting journey to help him but finally we got results. No protests, just constant media attention. I prefer not to comment on the zoo at this time. ChrisQUOTE]

Always inspiring to read about people trying to help thoose that cannot help themselves.
 

Media information

Category
Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens
Added by
Chicomeerkat
Date added
View count
2,457
Comment count
10
Rating
0.00 star(s) 0 ratings

Share this media

Back
Top