Shamwari Game Reserve welcomed an unusual passenger on November 19 – Mia, a rescued meerkat on her first flight from Cape Town to the Eastern Cape on Shamwari Air’s inaugural charter service.
Mia was rescued by Cape Nature in 2016 and brought to Exotic Animal World. She arrived pregnant and soon gave birth to raise four pups who lived long, happy lives. Unfortunately, Mia outlived her companions and found herself alone.
“Meerkats are highly social animals, and loneliness can be tough on them. When we heard about Mia, we knew we could give her the companionship she needs,” said Lisa Strauss, Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre Manager at Shamwari.
At Shamwari, Mia will begin the process of social integration and rewilding. Since her arrival, she has already befriended two other meerkats. Once Mia and her new friends show natural behaviours and teamwork, they will be prepared for a soft release into the wild.
