Meerkats are one of the most charismatic of the small mammals. They are only about 24 cm long with a 20 cm tail and weigh only a few hundred grams. Their bodies are rather skinny and their limbs slender. Their eyes are surrounded by black smudges, which may help to limit the glare of the sun in the desert. A series of dark bands run across the back. They often stand up straight on their rear legs, with front legs held neatly in front of their chests.
Taken at Banham Zoo