Meerkat Dilemma

Meerkat Dilemma

Dependency; selflessness; fear: three general characteristics of meerkats. Meerkats—much like humans themselves—are born with hair but not full coats, and with their eyes closed. They will live in the wild up to 10 years. However, in captivity they can live up 15 years. Meerkats dig their own holes and live inside of them. Some remain hidden more than others; it’s all up to choice and their resistance towards fear. Most meerkats live in the Kalahari Desert, which consists of both soft and compacted sands; ranging in color from bright orange to white. Meerkats prefer soft sand when digging for food; however, they prefer compact sand to build their burrows which would collapse in softer sands. Although they are relatively healthy animals, they are unfortunately prone to bovine tuberculosis and have been known to get rabies. When a meerkat peeks out of its hole, it becomes attentive to the sky and horizon. Eagles, hawks, vultures, and even owls linger around the skies; waiting. Considering such hazards and danger: Why would a meerkat even bother crawling outside of its hole? Inside, it is warm and comfortable. It is its own company; one meerkat per hole. Inside there aren’t any vicious predators, or any treacherous illnesses. Why explore? Why taste the flesh of undiscovered territory? Why learn? Why live?

It’s all up to choice. There was one meerkat that has been tracked by wilderness patrols over the years. This one is not like the others. She left her burrow at 6 years of age and strolled across the desert, swayed across the sea of sand, dashed across the ocean of predators, and climbed the highest mountain; where she stayed and lived amongst all the other species. There she met scorpions, and lizards, and small birds of all types. She observed and learned their way of life, and gained knowledge through curiosity. She became known as the only meerkat to have ever Lived. In the mean time, 200 miles south in the heart of the Kalahari Desert, dwelled a pack of 29 meerkats; breathing on dependency, selflessness, and fear.