Central Coast Zoo welcomes three new meerkats
New arrivals debut ahead of Ice Cream Zoofari
– The Central Coast Zoo has added three new meerkats to its animal collection ahead of the annual Ice Cream Zoofari event on June 6.
The zoo recently welcomed Bumble, Buzz, and Honeycomb, three 2-year-old female meerkat sisters known as the “Bee Girls.” Born at an accredited zoo in Colorado, the trio has joined resident male meerkats Axel, 10, and Prince, 12.
Native to southern Africa, meerkats are social mammals that live in cooperative family groups that can range from a few individuals to as many as 50 animals. The groups operate within a matriarchal hierarchy, with the dominant male and female typically serving as the breeding pair while the group helps raise offspring.
Zoo officials said the arrival of the three females has introduced new behaviors and interactions within the habitat, providing visitors an opportunity to observe the species’ social dynamics.
The meerkats are among several recent additions at the zoo.
Visitors can also view the recently opened Madagascar Habitat, which includes a red-ruffed lemur, a critically endangered species that has not been exhibited at the zoo in more than a decade. The habitat also includes ring-tailed lemurs and a pair of endangered Madagascar teals. The zoo’s radiated tortoises now occupy a neighboring habitat.
The zoo will showcase the new animals during the 23rd annual Ice Cream Zoofari on June 6 from 5 to 8 p.m.
The event will feature ice cream, sundaes, toppings from Harmony Creamery, activities with Central Coast Trains, and educational opportunities focused on how animals stay cool during the summer months.
According to the zoo, proceeds from the event support animal care, conservation, and education programs.
Tickets are available at VisitAtascadero.com/IceCreamZoofari and at the zoo before the event.
For more information about the Central Coast Zoo, visit centralcoastzoo.org. The zoo is located at Atascadero Lake Park on Highway 41, approximately one mile west of Highway 101.
