Sentinels of the Savanna

For our family, growing up in the wilds of Zimbabwe isn’t just an incredible experience, it’s a way of life. Days are shaped by the calls of fish eagles, the dust trails of zebras, and the quiet rustle of unseen creatures. Time moves to the rhythm of the bush…

Our homes in Harare are surrounded by the sounds and sights of wildlife. It’s here – in this untamed beauty – that so many of our creations are born. Among the animals that inspire us daily, the meerkat holds a special place in Alexander’s heart.

These small, spirited creatures have long captivated our imagination. Endlessly curious and fiercely loyal, meerkats live in tightly knit groups known as mobs or gangs, often made up of as many as 50 individuals. Within these groups, each meerkat has a role to play – from babysitter to lookout – all working together in a remarkable display of cooperation and community.

And their signature upright stance isn't just for show... Meerkats take turns acting as sentinels, scanning the horizon for predators while the rest of the group forages. When danger approaches – whether it’s an eagle overhead or a snake in the grass – a warning bark sends the entire mob scurrying to safety. They are vigilant, guardians-of-the-grasslands.

Despite their playful nature, meerkats are tough survivors. Native to the arid regions of southern Africa, they thrive in environments where others might struggle. Feeding on insects, lizards, small rodents and even scorpions, they’ve adapted to hunt with speed and precision, often using their strong claws to dig and their sharp senses to navigate underground tunnels.