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Japanese Photographer Captures A Shy-At-First Baby Meerkat And Its Family In 23 Pics
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Japanese Photographer Captures A Shy-At-First Baby Meerkat And Its Family In 23 Pics

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Japanese photographer mamekoro51 has probably the most pleasant hobby one could imagine – taking photos of baby animals of various types.

On a recent visit to Inokashira Natural Cultural Park in Musashino City, Tokyo, the animal lover came across an adorable meerkat family with newborn pups, one of whom was a little shy for the camera.

Image credits: mamekoro51

Image credits: mamekoro51

Image credits: mamekoro51

Peeping cautiously from behind a wall, this little meerkat seemed to be afraid at first. However, after a little time, it emerged from its hiding place to say hello, and people are just in love!

Image credits: mamekoro51

Image credits: mamekoro51

The meerkat is a small carnivoran in the mongoose family. These adorable animals live in all parts of the Kalahari Desert in Botswana, in much of the Namib Desert in Namibia and southwestern Angola, and South Africa.

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Source: Wikipedia

Image credits: mamekoro51

Image credits: mamekoro51

A group of meerkats is called a “mob”, “gang” or “clan”. A meerkat clan often contains about 20 meerkats, but some super-families have 50 or more members. In captivity, these curious animals have an average life span of 12–14 years, and about half this in the wild.

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Image credits: mamekoro51

Image credits: mamekoro51

Meerkats babysit the young in the group. Females that have never produced offspring of their own often lactate to feed the alpha pair’s young and they also protect these cute baby animals from threats, often endangering their own lives.

On warning of danger, the babysitter takes the young underground to safety and is prepared to defend them if the danger follows.

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Image credits: mamekoro51

Image credits: mamekoro51

Like many species, meerkat young learn by observing and mimicking adult behavior, though adults also engage in active instruction. For example, meerkat adults teach their pups how to eat a venomous scorpion: they will remove the stinger and help the pup learn how to handle the creature.

Image credits: mamekoro51

Image credits: mamekoro51

Despite this altruistic behavior, meerkats sometimes kill young members of their group. Subordinate meerkats have been seen killing the offspring of more senior members in order to improve their own offspring’s position.

Image credits: mamekoro51

Image credits: mamekoro51

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Image credits: mamekoro51

Meerkats become sexually mature at about two years of age and can have one to four pups in a litter, with three pups being the most common litter size. The pups are allowed to leave the burrow at two to three weeks old.

Image credits: mamekoro51

Image credits: mamekoro51

Image credits: mamekoro51

Inokashira Park Zoo is located in a quiet and distinctive suburb of Tokyo. It exhibits a variety of Japanese species and contributes to the conservation and breeding of Japanese squirrels, mandarin ducks, and swans. The park also comprises a pond, a botanical garden and Seibo Kitamura (Japanese sculptor) Museum.

Image credits: mamekoro51

Image credits: mamekoro51

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Image credits: mamekoro51

Other animals at the zoo include: Asiatic elephants, rhesus monkeys, raccoons, fennecs, Japanese serows, Japanese martens, masked palm civets, Amur cats, raccoon dogs, Japanese squirrels, red-crowned cranes, Japanese birds, tropical birds, mandarin ducks and swans.

Image credits: mamekoro51

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james_fox1984 avatar
Foxxy
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

OMG, that is just cuteness overload. Especially when the meerkat is peeping behind the wall. It’s just sooo damn cute. 😍❤️

saulofrota avatar
odiasuda565 avatar
dariab_1 avatar
Daria B
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

CUUUUUTE! ♥♥♥ That hiding behind the wall series also remind of Chopper from One Piece. ♥

meinespammailadresse1 avatar
A B C
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh my, I'm in love with this little fella! It's so cute how he's hiding behind the wall, all like "He... Hello? You friend?"

adamthedarklordanubis avatar
Adam Hart-Dyke
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Heartbreaking. Meerkats are burrowing animals who live underground but here they are on a concrete floor. Zoos are evil.

l_eekhout avatar
Liesbeth Eekhout
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

nice pictures, very sweet. Pity that these animals have to live on concrete.

s_l_high0 avatar
sh
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My thoughts exactly! I hate seeing animals living on concrete.

Load More Replies...
klynch4 avatar
Loki’s Lil Butter Knife
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Goodness gracious is that baby meerkat stinking cute. Now, I have an odd urge to hear Sean Astin’s voice as he narrates Meerkat Manor.

n_10 avatar
N
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have a thing for cats, unicorns, zebras, llamas.... and NOW meercats. Holy cuteness overload <3 :)

mrkette avatar
Mary Rose Kent
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You do understand that one of those things on your list doesn’t actually exist, right?

Load More Replies...
serafina-mahony avatar
Elisaurous uwu
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

KAWAI AT FIRST BUT THEN KAWAII PHUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU LEMME KISS IT AND HUG IT ITS MINE NOW I WILL DONATE CASH FOR WHOLE MEERKAT FAMILIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

4msaya avatar
miaow
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Meerkat?? MeerCUTE that's what this is. Precious lil baby. Life is so sweet when i see this <3

camelacious avatar
Cam Van Aken
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think this SUCKS. There is nowhere for the mother to burrow, meerkats live underground. I HATE zoos, I HATE the carelessness this particular zoos displays. SHAME on them!!

kklove1467 avatar
Karin Love
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, I can die now. I've officially seen the cutest thing in existence. Also, I'm crying a little bit from the cuteness.

solitakalaw avatar
Solita Kalaw
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It’s Timon!! From the Lion King. They belong in the wild. Hakuna matata!!

sharronlparsons avatar
sharron lynn parsons
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I simply adore meerkats, everything about them is too cute, especially when they stand upright, great photos, and they put a smile on my face, thanks !!!

ngaerewoodford avatar
NWB
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

those first few pics!!!1 RIP me I am dead for the cute!!!!

wil_vanderheijden avatar
Wil Vanderheijden
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sorry. Only the first till the fourth picture made me feel like I needed to protect the little critter. It just looked like a kitten exploring the world.

michellec0581 avatar
Michelle Chevalier
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Made me think of that show "Meerkat Manor"...might binge watch it this weekend since I have the whole series :)

margarethsu avatar
Margareth Su
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

All I can do through this article 'AHHHHHHHH OMG AHHHHHH NOOOOO OMG AAAAAAAAAAAA'

michipoohbear1947 avatar
Michi Henley
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Very cute photos of mamekoro...I I love meerkats..thank you for sharing

bala avatar
Bala DS
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Cute images. The clarity of the photograph is extraordinary. The natural poses of the Meerkat make the photo more realistic. Wedid photography is the best wedding photography service provider in Chennai. Have a look at their sample photos in their website https://www.wedid.in/. They are very creative and professional.

eaglegirl36 avatar
Eagle Girl
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My cuteness meter just exploded!! Little disturbing the fact bout killing superior's babies so submissive pups can get a leg up. Wow. Meerkats are Gangstah haha

wendy_woodley_33 avatar
Wendy Newhouse
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Too much cuteness, luvit luvit luvit. Meercats are one of my most favourite animals ... soo curious with good 'family' values .... Such a pleasure. Thank you soo much for sharing.

kristynlnu avatar
K. LNU
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I actually thought those first pictures (of peeking around the corner) were stuffed animals or animation! SO CUTE!

sylwia-ania-janiak avatar
Esca Sav
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Someone pinch me, my eyes are dreaming from processing this adorable creature

lacritejr avatar
Razz Matazz
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

kudos to the Japanese photographer for giving me my Chopper reference of the day :D

aprilsimnel avatar
April Simnel
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Those first 4 photos are just so adorable! Awww, who's a teeny-weeny-widdle-cutie-patootie?

shortiroccs avatar
Lori Savoca
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Omg I'm in love with this little baby!!!! I want 17 of them lol

sassybooie avatar
Meeow
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Inokashira Natural Cultural Park is where the cherry Blossom (Season) at, the park is so beautiful, in the zoo you can see baby Meerkat and their family.

mrkette avatar
Mary Rose Kent
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The top three photos might very well be the cutest thing in the history of life on this planet!

zahndrevanderwesthuizen avatar
Zahndré Venter
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They make wonderful pets aswell. We had to raise a few by hand. They make the cutest noises and are fierce fighters, eating scorpions and kicking snake a*s.

payet_fabienne avatar
Tahani
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Those wall pics remind me of a little Disney animal somehow :)

yeratoziwu avatar
Monicahorn
Community Member
4 years ago (edited)

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

I’m under your control. 💚 Let’s have a great time together >> hotdatgirl.site/id5396

yeratoziwu avatar
Monicahorn
Community Member
4 years ago (edited)

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Hey Man💋 do u want to see me naked? 💚Go to private broadcast for u and me, 💚I want to fulfill all your sexual fantasies💋 =>> hotdatgirl.site/id5396

james_fox1984 avatar
Foxxy
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

OMG, that is just cuteness overload. Especially when the meerkat is peeping behind the wall. It’s just sooo damn cute. 😍❤️

saulofrota avatar
odiasuda565 avatar
dariab_1 avatar
Daria B
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

CUUUUUTE! ♥♥♥ That hiding behind the wall series also remind of Chopper from One Piece. ♥

meinespammailadresse1 avatar
A B C
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh my, I'm in love with this little fella! It's so cute how he's hiding behind the wall, all like "He... Hello? You friend?"

adamthedarklordanubis avatar
Adam Hart-Dyke
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Heartbreaking. Meerkats are burrowing animals who live underground but here they are on a concrete floor. Zoos are evil.

l_eekhout avatar
Liesbeth Eekhout
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

nice pictures, very sweet. Pity that these animals have to live on concrete.

s_l_high0 avatar
sh
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My thoughts exactly! I hate seeing animals living on concrete.

Load More Replies...
klynch4 avatar
Loki’s Lil Butter Knife
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Goodness gracious is that baby meerkat stinking cute. Now, I have an odd urge to hear Sean Astin’s voice as he narrates Meerkat Manor.

n_10 avatar
N
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have a thing for cats, unicorns, zebras, llamas.... and NOW meercats. Holy cuteness overload <3 :)

mrkette avatar
Mary Rose Kent
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You do understand that one of those things on your list doesn’t actually exist, right?

Load More Replies...
serafina-mahony avatar
Elisaurous uwu
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

KAWAI AT FIRST BUT THEN KAWAII PHUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU LEMME KISS IT AND HUG IT ITS MINE NOW I WILL DONATE CASH FOR WHOLE MEERKAT FAMILIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

4msaya avatar
miaow
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Meerkat?? MeerCUTE that's what this is. Precious lil baby. Life is so sweet when i see this <3

camelacious avatar
Cam Van Aken
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think this SUCKS. There is nowhere for the mother to burrow, meerkats live underground. I HATE zoos, I HATE the carelessness this particular zoos displays. SHAME on them!!

kklove1467 avatar
Karin Love
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, I can die now. I've officially seen the cutest thing in existence. Also, I'm crying a little bit from the cuteness.

solitakalaw avatar
Solita Kalaw
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It’s Timon!! From the Lion King. They belong in the wild. Hakuna matata!!

sharronlparsons avatar
sharron lynn parsons
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I simply adore meerkats, everything about them is too cute, especially when they stand upright, great photos, and they put a smile on my face, thanks !!!

ngaerewoodford avatar
NWB
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

those first few pics!!!1 RIP me I am dead for the cute!!!!

wil_vanderheijden avatar
Wil Vanderheijden
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sorry. Only the first till the fourth picture made me feel like I needed to protect the little critter. It just looked like a kitten exploring the world.

michellec0581 avatar
Michelle Chevalier
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Made me think of that show "Meerkat Manor"...might binge watch it this weekend since I have the whole series :)

margarethsu avatar
Margareth Su
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

All I can do through this article 'AHHHHHHHH OMG AHHHHHH NOOOOO OMG AAAAAAAAAAAA'

michipoohbear1947 avatar
Michi Henley
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Very cute photos of mamekoro...I I love meerkats..thank you for sharing

bala avatar
Bala DS
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Cute images. The clarity of the photograph is extraordinary. The natural poses of the Meerkat make the photo more realistic. Wedid photography is the best wedding photography service provider in Chennai. Have a look at their sample photos in their website https://www.wedid.in/. They are very creative and professional.

eaglegirl36 avatar
Eagle Girl
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My cuteness meter just exploded!! Little disturbing the fact bout killing superior's babies so submissive pups can get a leg up. Wow. Meerkats are Gangstah haha

wendy_woodley_33 avatar
Wendy Newhouse
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Too much cuteness, luvit luvit luvit. Meercats are one of my most favourite animals ... soo curious with good 'family' values .... Such a pleasure. Thank you soo much for sharing.

kristynlnu avatar
K. LNU
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I actually thought those first pictures (of peeking around the corner) were stuffed animals or animation! SO CUTE!

sylwia-ania-janiak avatar
Esca Sav
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Someone pinch me, my eyes are dreaming from processing this adorable creature

lacritejr avatar
Razz Matazz
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

kudos to the Japanese photographer for giving me my Chopper reference of the day :D

aprilsimnel avatar
April Simnel
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Those first 4 photos are just so adorable! Awww, who's a teeny-weeny-widdle-cutie-patootie?

shortiroccs avatar
Lori Savoca
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Omg I'm in love with this little baby!!!! I want 17 of them lol

sassybooie avatar
Meeow
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Inokashira Natural Cultural Park is where the cherry Blossom (Season) at, the park is so beautiful, in the zoo you can see baby Meerkat and their family.

mrkette avatar
Mary Rose Kent
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The top three photos might very well be the cutest thing in the history of life on this planet!

zahndrevanderwesthuizen avatar
Zahndré Venter
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They make wonderful pets aswell. We had to raise a few by hand. They make the cutest noises and are fierce fighters, eating scorpions and kicking snake a*s.

payet_fabienne avatar
Tahani
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Those wall pics remind me of a little Disney animal somehow :)

yeratoziwu avatar
Monicahorn
Community Member
4 years ago (edited)

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

I’m under your control. 💚 Let’s have a great time together >> hotdatgirl.site/id5396

yeratoziwu avatar
Monicahorn
Community Member
4 years ago (edited)

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Hey Man💋 do u want to see me naked? 💚Go to private broadcast for u and me, 💚I want to fulfill all your sexual fantasies💋 =>> hotdatgirl.site/id5396

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