Investigating food preference in zoo-housed meerkats

Area of Science:

• Animal behavior
• Zoology
• Animal welfare science

Background:

• Understanding food preferences in animals under human care is crucial for enhancing welfare, training, and diet management.
• Limited research exists on food preferences specifically within zoo-housed meerkat populations.
• Assessing food preference in meerkats can inform welfare strategies and methods for other social, group-housed species.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify the food preference hierarchy within a group of meerkats at Wellington Zoo.
• To establish a practical and cost-effective method for assessing food preferences in social species.
• To determine if food preferences differ between adult and juvenile meerkats.

Main Methods:

• A group-based food preference assessment was developed and implemented.
• Pairs of different food items were presented to the meerkat mob.
• Food choices were systematically observed and recorded to establish a preference hierarchy.

Main Results:

• A stable food preference hierarchy was identified within the meerkat mob.
• The observed preference hierarchy for pups closely mirrored that of the adults.
• The study successfully demonstrated a viable method for group-based preference assessment.

Conclusions:

• It is feasible to assess and establish a food preference hierarchy for social species using group-based methods.
• The findings support the development of targeted dietary management and welfare improvements for meerkats.
• This methodology can be adapted for assessing food preferences in other group-housed social animals.