National Conservation Zoo

Opening times today: 10am - 4:30pm (Last entry at 3:30pm)

About

Yellow mongooses are small, agile carnivores found across Southern Africa.

They are closely related to meerkats and live in family groups where cooperation is key. They often share burrows with other animals, such as ground squirrels, and spend much of their time foraging together.

Life in the group is highly social, with individuals grooming, playing, and keeping a lookout for danger while others focus on finding food.

Hoa MONGOOSE 1

Yellow mongoose facts

SPECIES
I am a mammal

Yellow mongooses are closely related to meerkats and share similar social traits and behaviours.

FOUND IN
Africa

They are found across Southern Africa.

HABITAT
Open grasslands, scrublands, and semi-desert areas

Yellow mongooses make their homes underground - their strong claws are perfect for digging burrows. They use these burrows for shelter, safety from predators, and raising their young.

DIET
Carnivore

Insects like termites, grasshoppers and ants, and occasionally small rodents and reptiles.

BEHAVIOUR
Diurnal

Yellow mongooses are diurnal, which means they are awake in the day. 

AVERAGE SIZE
25-35cm long
LIFE SPAN
Up to 15 years
ZOO LOCATION
Heart of Africa

You can visit yellow mongooses in Heart of Africa, near the African wild dog habitat.

IUCN red list statusLeast Concern
Animal vulnerability index

Threats

Threat Hunting
Hunting