Chico The Lone Meerkat At the Los Angeles Zoo
Target:
To improve conditions for Meerkats at Los Angeles Zoo
Sponsored by:
Chico is a lone Meerkat at the Los Angeles Zoo. His burrowmate, Spanky, passed away last December, 2007. Chico has been in solitary confinement for nine months now and the zoo has not provided him with the companionship he needs and deserves. Many overtures have been made to the zoo to improve Chico's living conditions but have been met with bureaucratic smoke and mirrors. The zoo is a department of the city.
Meerkats live successfully in groups and thrive in an environment that has sufficient food and companionship. All zoos are aware of this. Chico is fed kibble dog food and is overweight. This is appalling and the zoo is not meeting the needs of this animal. He will be nine years old this year. Meerkats have been known to live up to 17 years in captivity in groups with a proper diet.
We are hoping to make everyone aware of his case and help us improve his conditions or transfer him to a zoo that is more aware of the meerkat needs.
Youtube videos with Chico and children at the L.A. Zoo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJzgNw_9n2s
Chico has received newspaper and TV attention in the last few days. We have created an email for media contact for comments about Chico.
Meerkats@verizon.net
Please enjoy these two youtube videos for Chico:
This is a link to the LA Times arcticle on Chico
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-et-meerkat28-2008aug28,0,1659189.story
Please tell everyone to sign, we need to keep the pressure on the zoo
so, to contact the zoo call 323-644-4200
email the director @: john.lewis@lacity.org or jason.jacobs@lacity.org
Meerkats live successfully in groups and thrive in an environment that has sufficient food and companionship. All zoos are aware of this. Chico is fed kibble dog food and is overweight. This is appalling and the zoo is not meeting the needs of this animal. He will be nine years old this year. Meerkats have been known to live up to 17 years in captivity in groups with a proper diet.
We are hoping to make everyone aware of his case and help us improve his conditions or transfer him to a zoo that is more aware of the meerkat needs.
Youtube videos with Chico and children at the L.A. Zoo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJzgNw_9n2s
Chico has received newspaper and TV attention in the last few days. We have created an email for media contact for comments about Chico.
Meerkats@verizon.net
Please enjoy these two youtube videos for Chico:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zT8X5rrM9jk http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0Qc6h9YRXI
This is a link to the LA Times arcticle on Chico
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-et-meerkat28-2008aug28,0,1659189.story
Please tell everyone to sign, we need to keep the pressure on the zoo
so, to contact the zoo call 323-644-4200
email the director @: john.lewis@lacity.org or jason.jacobs@lacity.org
Chico is a lone Meerkat at the Los Angeles Zoo. His burrowmate, Spanky, passed away last December, 2007. Chico has been in solitary confinement for nine months now and the zoo has not provided him with the companionship he needs and deserves. Many overtures have been made to the zoo to improve Chico's living conditions but have been met with bureaucratic smoke and mirrors. The zoo is a department of the city.
Meerkats live successfully in groups and thrive in an environment that has sufficient food and companionship. All zoos are aware of this. Chico is fed kibble dog food and is overweight. This is appalling and the zoo is not meeting the needs of this animal. He will be nine years old this year. Meerkats have been known to live up to 17 years in captivity in groups with a proper diet.
We are hoping to make everyone aware of his case and help us improve his conditions or transfer him to a zoo that is more aware of the meerkat needs.
Youtube videos with Chico and children at the L.A. Zoo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJzgNw_9n2s
Chico has received newspaper and TV attention in the last few days. We have created an email for media contact for comments about Chico.
Meerkats@verizon.net
Please enjoy these two youtube videos for Chico:
This is a link to the LA Times arcticle on Chico
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-et-meerkat28-2008aug28,0,1659189.story
Please tell everyone to sign, we need to keep the pressure on the zoo
so, to contact the zoo call 323-644-4200
email the director @: john.lewis@lacity.org or jason.jacobs@lacity.org
Meerkats live successfully in groups and thrive in an environment that has sufficient food and companionship. All zoos are aware of this. Chico is fed kibble dog food and is overweight. This is appalling and the zoo is not meeting the needs of this animal. He will be nine years old this year. Meerkats have been known to live up to 17 years in captivity in groups with a proper diet.
We are hoping to make everyone aware of his case and help us improve his conditions or transfer him to a zoo that is more aware of the meerkat needs.
Youtube videos with Chico and children at the L.A. Zoo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJzgNw_9n2s
Chico has received newspaper and TV attention in the last few days. We have created an email for media contact for comments about Chico.
Meerkats@verizon.net
Please enjoy these two youtube videos for Chico:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zT8X5rrM9jk http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0Qc6h9YRXI
This is a link to the LA Times arcticle on Chico
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-et-meerkat28-2008aug28,0,1659189.story
Please tell everyone to sign, we need to keep the pressure on the zoo
so, to contact the zoo call 323-644-4200
email the director @: john.lewis@lacity.org or jason.jacobs@lacity.org
We the undersigned" are asking you to improve the conditions of the Meerkat exhibit at the zoo. Chico is the lone Meerkat at the zoo after his burrowmate, Spanky, passed away in December, 2007. Meerkats are social animals and require companionship to survive. The time has come to enact changes, Chico has been in solitary confinement for eight months. We are asking you to help now. Arrange for more Meerkats to be added to the exhibit or transfer Chico to a zoo that offers him the life and companionship that he deserves.
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We signed the "Chico The Lone Meerkat At the Los Angeles Zoo" petition!
# 3,701:
8:46 pm PST, Nov 17,
Anita Hermes, California
I am pleading for your help with regards to Chico, the Meerkat. It has come to my attention that he has been residing in solitude since the passing of his mate, Spanky. Since Meerkats are social animals, I would like to know what steps have been put in place to aquire Chico another burrowmate. Would you please email me updates regarding this matter. I would grately appreciate it. Respectfully, Anita Hermes
I am pleading for your help with regards to Chico, the Meerkat. It has come to my attention that he has been residing in solitude since the passing of his mate, Spanky. Since Meerkats are social animals, I would like to know what steps have been put in place to aquire Chico another burrowmate. Would you please email me updates regarding this matter. I would grately appreciate it. Respectfully, Anita Hermes
# 3,700:
8:50 am PST, Nov 17,
Vera Babb, California
Meerkats need to be with a group of meerkats. Isolation will kill the poor animal!
Meerkats need to be with a group of meerkats. Isolation will kill the poor animal!
# 3,699:
8:06 am PST, Nov 17,
Name not displayed, California
I now live alone since my wife passed away. Living alone is not meant to be.
I now live alone since my wife passed away. Living alone is not meant to be.
# 3,698:
7:05 am PST, Nov 17,
Name not displayed, California
Their meant to live in groups, not alone.
Their meant to live in groups, not alone.
# 3,697:
8:21 pm PST, Nov 16,
E Villarreal, California
# 3,696:
6:24 am PST, Nov 16,
Renea Apartian, California
The Meerkats are one of the reasons I come to the LA Zoo. They are so cute and comical. The last two times I came I wasn't able to see them and wondered why. PLEASE help Chico and get at least one other friend for him to enjoy.
The Meerkats are one of the reasons I come to the LA Zoo. They are so cute and comical. The last two times I came I wasn't able to see them and wondered why. PLEASE help Chico and get at least one other friend for him to enjoy.
# 3,695:
9:57 pm PST, Nov 15,
Heather Gregory, California
Its just not healthy and not right. he needs some company!
Its just not healthy and not right. he needs some company!
# 3,694:
8:30 pm PST, Nov 15,
Name not displayed, New York
Please get this poor animal a mate. We all get lonely when are mate passes, this animal deserve the same a mate.
Please get this poor animal a mate. We all get lonely when are mate passes, this animal deserve the same a mate.
# 3,693:
5:30 pm PST, Nov 15,
Debra Velie, New York
Meerkats live best in a group. They need the warmth, love, and protection of others to survive. You can just look in Chico's eyes and see the grief and sadness. If it's too much to get him a buddy and clean up his enclosure, then maybe you would consider sending him to another more caring zoo, where there are others like him there! This just breaks my heart.
Meerkats live best in a group. They need the warmth, love, and protection of others to survive. You can just look in Chico's eyes and see the grief and sadness. If it's too much to get him a buddy and clean up his enclosure, then maybe you would consider sending him to another more caring zoo, where there are others like him there! This just breaks my heart.
# 3,692:
1:46 pm PST, Nov 15,
Pat Andews, Pennsylvania
Animals that are meant to be in groups suffere great stresses when made to live alone. Surely there are zoos w/ excess meerkats that could be sent to keep Chico company and allow him to act like a normal meerkat again.
Animals that are meant to be in groups suffere great stresses when made to live alone. Surely there are zoos w/ excess meerkats that could be sent to keep Chico company and allow him to act like a normal meerkat again.
# 3,691:
9:19 am PST, Nov 15,
Dianna Stover, California
Meerkat's are a social animal and as such need the companionship of others of their kind. The enclosure I saw at the first of the video was well kept and looked interesting. The end of the video the enclosure was just dirt and very uninteresting. The animal's fur also does not appear to be in the best condition either. I would think that the LA Zoo could do better with the health and well fare of it's charges D. Stover
Meerkat's are a social animal and as such need the companionship of others of their kind. The enclosure I saw at the first of the video was well kept and looked interesting. The end of the video the enclosure was just dirt and very uninteresting. The animal's fur also does not appear to be in the best condition either. I would think that the LA Zoo could do better with the health and well fare of it's charges D. Stover
# 3,690:
7:47 am PST, Nov 15,
Olivia Brett, California
This is so sad! Meerkats are not solitary animals. Imangine losing your only companion and having to live all alone! And not fed a proper diet! This is no humane at all!
This is so sad! Meerkats are not solitary animals. Imangine losing your only companion and having to live all alone! And not fed a proper diet! This is no humane at all!
# 3,689:
7:36 am PST, Nov 15,
Helen Wojciechowski, Pennsylvania
Everyone needs comapionship even animals why are you not providing him with proper care and companionship this is not right.
Everyone needs comapionship even animals why are you not providing him with proper care and companionship this is not right.
# 3,688:
3:54 am PST, Nov 15,
Susan Gallant, Maine
Who likes to be alone? Everyone needs someone. Only a cruel person would deny someone having interaction with others. I can only conclude the people running the zoo are satanists who thrive on making one of God;s creatures suffer. They will pay dearly at the second coming and the judgement, because God's anger is kindled towards anyone who is cruel to any of His creatures in any way, shape or form. It is all satanic. This animal clearly needs to be rescued.
Who likes to be alone? Everyone needs someone. Only a cruel person would deny someone having interaction with others. I can only conclude the people running the zoo are satanists who thrive on making one of God;s creatures suffer. They will pay dearly at the second coming and the judgement, because God's anger is kindled towards anyone who is cruel to any of His creatures in any way, shape or form. It is all satanic. This animal clearly needs to be rescued.
# 3,687:
10:10 pm PST, Nov 14,
Greta Hoisington, Michigan
I own ferrets, who are much like meerkats and feel that since the meerkat is a social animal, it should be provided with the companionship of other meerkat(s). Stimulation is essentail to these intelligent animals. Also, I feel that dog food is not an appropriate diet for Chico. He should be fed a specialized diet high in protein and fats with low ash to maintain his health at an optimal level.
I own ferrets, who are much like meerkats and feel that since the meerkat is a social animal, it should be provided with the companionship of other meerkat(s). Stimulation is essentail to these intelligent animals. Also, I feel that dog food is not an appropriate diet for Chico. He should be fed a specialized diet high in protein and fats with low ash to maintain his health at an optimal level.
# 3,686:
9:45 pm PST, Nov 14,
Shanna Gamache, California
Zoos should be at the forefront of animal care. Their goals should include having a positive impact on animals and increasing people's knowledge of animals. Keeping Chico by himself doesn't help accomplish either of these objectives. It's detrimental to the animal and misleading to the public about meerkats' natural behavior. Please keep Chico's welfare in mind and either provide him with a burrow mate or transfer him to a place that has other meerkats.
Zoos should be at the forefront of animal care. Their goals should include having a positive impact on animals and increasing people's knowledge of animals. Keeping Chico by himself doesn't help accomplish either of these objectives. It's detrimental to the animal and misleading to the public about meerkats' natural behavior. Please keep Chico's welfare in mind and either provide him with a burrow mate or transfer him to a place that has other meerkats.
# 3,685:
8:26 pm PST, Nov 14,
Jackie Hawley, Florida
Meerkats should not be kept in isolation as they are pack animals. Lonliness and no contact with others will probably make him depressed then very ill. Please either consider getting Chico a companion or let him go into his native environment. Thank you, Jackie Hawley Jacksonville, FL
Meerkats should not be kept in isolation as they are pack animals. Lonliness and no contact with others will probably make him depressed then very ill. Please either consider getting Chico a companion or let him go into his native environment. Thank you, Jackie Hawley Jacksonville, FL
# 3,684:
7:16 pm PST, Nov 14,
Sheila Davis, Illinois
meerkat are very out going. They can not live by them selfs. They need to mate and have a mate. Meerkats are not to be along they mate for life. Chico has been along too long. I am surprise he is still alive. I hope the aspca will close your zoo down. You are torementing and negleteing the animals and their way of life in the wild. I will be praying that your zoo will close and the people who works there will never find a job in a zoo again or anywhere eles for that matter. God dilikes those who miss treats His animals.
meerkat are very out going. They can not live by them selfs. They need to mate and have a mate. Meerkats are not to be along they mate for life. Chico has been along too long. I am surprise he is still alive. I hope the aspca will close your zoo down. You are torementing and negleteing the animals and their way of life in the wild. I will be praying that your zoo will close and the people who works there will never find a job in a zoo again or anywhere eles for that matter. God dilikes those who miss treats His animals.
# 3,683:
6:10 pm PST, Nov 14,
Name not displayed, California
The behavior of Meerkats is to have more than one because they need to have someone stand guard, to not have that is criminal. No animal that is normally a part of a mob should be alone.
The behavior of Meerkats is to have more than one because they need to have someone stand guard, to not have that is criminal. No animal that is normally a part of a mob should be alone.
# 3,682:
2:45 pm PST, Nov 14,
Nicholas Goddard, California
I believe that all animals should have companions whether they be humans or other animals as long as the meerkat is having a enjoyable life and exutes happyness. Furthermore the zoo has this resoponsability too.
I believe that all animals should have companions whether they be humans or other animals as long as the meerkat is having a enjoyable life and exutes happyness. Furthermore the zoo has this resoponsability too.
# 3,681:
3:46 pm PST, Nov 13,
Jasmin Rosales, Australia
# 3,680:
12:43 pm PST, Nov 13,
Ari Zanan, United Kingdom
If LA zoo knew early on, there was a chance that one of the Meerkats would die why not interveen sooner??It raises the question as to WHY the other Meerkat died?? Either do the decent thing & get more Meerkats in or move him to where there are more Meerkts, or let a animal Meerkat society cere for him, if it were you all alone you would have some thing done about it??Neglecting the cre towards Chico is a cruel act in itself, & the Zoo should be held accountable??
If LA zoo knew early on, there was a chance that one of the Meerkats would die why not interveen sooner??It raises the question as to WHY the other Meerkat died?? Either do the decent thing & get more Meerkats in or move him to where there are more Meerkts, or let a animal Meerkat society cere for him, if it were you all alone you would have some thing done about it??Neglecting the cre towards Chico is a cruel act in itself, & the Zoo should be held accountable??
# 3,679:
12:01 pm PST, Nov 13,
Ser Saudavel, Brazil
# 3,678:
5:19 am PST, Nov 13,
Mary ann Clement, Florida
They need companions and family to survive.
They need companions and family to survive.
# 3,677:
5:16 am PST, Nov 13,
Ruth Kirchwey, Massachusetts
Such a social animal should not be in a lone state
Such a social animal should not be in a lone state
# 3,676:
10:29 pm PST, Nov 12,
Adriana Tadeo, California
chico should not be alone because every animal needs a friend. Many people think that just because he is a animal he has no feelings but he really does every animal needs a friend and chico should be one of them.
chico should not be alone because every animal needs a friend. Many people think that just because he is a animal he has no feelings but he really does every animal needs a friend and chico should be one of them.
# 3,675:
6:08 pm PST, Nov 12,
Paul Benson, California
I think it is sad to isolate a creature, such as Chico. Either he should have a new mate brought to him, or should be relocated to another location where he can be in the social environment he needs to thrive and be mentally and physically healthy.
I think it is sad to isolate a creature, such as Chico. Either he should have a new mate brought to him, or should be relocated to another location where he can be in the social environment he needs to thrive and be mentally and physically healthy.
# 3,674:
5:29 pm PST, Nov 12,
Name not displayed, Canada
You can see Chico needs a mate to help groom him from the irritating bugs. Their instinct to stand guard while the other forages for food is a necessesity of life. Without a mate he is more timid and afraid that is not a way to live a life. Their life span is much greater than his 9 years. Give him to a Zoo that will take proper care and give him his life needs.
You can see Chico needs a mate to help groom him from the irritating bugs. Their instinct to stand guard while the other forages for food is a necessesity of life. Without a mate he is more timid and afraid that is not a way to live a life. Their life span is much greater than his 9 years. Give him to a Zoo that will take proper care and give him his life needs.
# 3,673:
2:12 pm PST, Nov 12,
Marie Warren Fayz, California
Wake up, LA Zoo! You are responsible for the physical AND emotional health and well-being of all creatures at your facility. If you were a private company, you'd have already been convicted of cruelty to animals on numerous occasions. Do the right thing this time and treat Chico with the respect he deserves in his short lifespan on this earth!!
Wake up, LA Zoo! You are responsible for the physical AND emotional health and well-being of all creatures at your facility. If you were a private company, you'd have already been convicted of cruelty to animals on numerous occasions. Do the right thing this time and treat Chico with the respect he deserves in his short lifespan on this earth!!
# 3,672:
11:10 am PST, Nov 11,
Anabella Maccari, Argentina
The meerkats can not live without a companion! Need each other! so is his instinct! If you have a partner and the care they require a Meerkat soon, Chico could die! But the worst thing is that it would be a miserable death!
The meerkats can not live without a companion! Need each other! so is his instinct! If you have a partner and the care they require a Meerkat soon, Chico could die! But the worst thing is that it would be a miserable death!
# 3,671:
10:11 am PST, Nov 11,
Alicia Rivera, Mexico
Becuase the social animals need a parther for live. also if it lives alone for more time it could die.
Becuase the social animals need a parther for live. also if it lives alone for more time it could die.
# 3,670:
10:09 am PST, Nov 11,
Cheyenne Wolf, Montana
# 3,669:
7:24 pm PST, Nov 10,
Name not displayed, Venezuela
Meerkats are meant to be in groups, it is cruel FOR HIM be alone :(
Meerkats are meant to be in groups, it is cruel FOR HIM be alone :(
# 3,668:
1:15 pm PST, Nov 10,
Gretchen Schoeffler, New York
Meerkats are social animals and need social interaction for psychological well being. There is really no excuse for keeping a Meerkat alone or allowing one to become obese. Please improve Chico's living conditions or send him to a facility that can provide more appropriate care.
Meerkats are social animals and need social interaction for psychological well being. There is really no excuse for keeping a Meerkat alone or allowing one to become obese. Please improve Chico's living conditions or send him to a facility that can provide more appropriate care.
# 3,667:
1:14 pm PST, Nov 10,
Laurie Rose, California
A zoo should represent an animal's habitat. Not just fake rocks and trees, but lifestyle. Meerkats live and thrive in communities with others of their kind. It is cruel to keep Chico the Meerkat on display as a lone entity. Please re-consider.
A zoo should represent an animal's habitat. Not just fake rocks and trees, but lifestyle. Meerkats live and thrive in communities with others of their kind. It is cruel to keep Chico the Meerkat on display as a lone entity. Please re-consider.
# 3,666:
7:18 am PST, Nov 10,
Clark Montague, California
Well, with all the bad press that the l.A.Zoo has been receiveing, regarding the elephant exhibit of 40million dollars, getting another friend for Chico or sending him to another zoo would make the zoo look a whole lot better. Why in the world would a zoo do this to a social animal is beyond me. Unbelievable.
Well, with all the bad press that the l.A.Zoo has been receiveing, regarding the elephant exhibit of 40million dollars, getting another friend for Chico or sending him to another zoo would make the zoo look a whole lot better. Why in the world would a zoo do this to a social animal is beyond me. Unbelievable.
# 3,665:
6:37 am PST, Nov 10,
Cecilia- Orange, Argentina
Meerkats are social animals that need live in company not alone as Chicco does. The common sense and humanity indicate that Chicco has the right to live with a friend, well feed and in a clean place. I thought that LA Zoo was a great place!but watching the vid I feel very sorried about Chicco!! Please change your point of view and take an urgent option in favor of Chicco. If you can´t please let him to live in other place. Time is passing and each day Chicco is worse and near to dye..!!!!Please please do something!! I agreed with Leight Hale petition 3,637
Meerkats are social animals that need live in company not alone as Chicco does. The common sense and humanity indicate that Chicco has the right to live with a friend, well feed and in a clean place. I thought that LA Zoo was a great place!but watching the vid I feel very sorried about Chicco!! Please change your point of view and take an urgent option in favor of Chicco. If you can´t please let him to live in other place. Time is passing and each day Chicco is worse and near to dye..!!!!Please please do something!! I agreed with Leight Hale petition 3,637
# 3,664:
11:54 am PST, Nov 9,
Cindy Hoebeeck, Belgium
That's not a life for this animal! If this zoo doesn't car about it, why don't they give it to an other zoo where it would be happy!
That's not a life for this animal! If this zoo doesn't car about it, why don't they give it to an other zoo where it would be happy!
# 3,663:
9:27 am PST, Nov 9,
Tatiana Costa, Brazil
# 3,662:
10:27 pm PST, Nov 8,
Mi Ton, California
Chico need a companion. Being lonely is very depressing. How would you feel if you were alone. Please find him a friend.
Chico need a companion. Being lonely is very depressing. How would you feel if you were alone. Please find him a friend.
# 3,661:
4:58 pm PST, Nov 8,
David Casey, Texas
# 3,660:
4:15 pm PST, Nov 8,
Lynn Casey, Texas
# 3,659:
3:59 pm PST, Nov 8,
Sherri Bessire, Texas
# 3,658:
2:44 pm PST, Nov 8,
Name not displayed, California
# 3,657:
11:59 am PST, Nov 8,
Name not displayed, California
Chico needs a buddy to keep him company! Meerkats are not meant to live in isolation, they are very social animals! Put him on a healthier diet too, poor little plump thing, he's eating more cause he's depressed.
Chico needs a buddy to keep him company! Meerkats are not meant to live in isolation, they are very social animals! Put him on a healthier diet too, poor little plump thing, he's eating more cause he's depressed.
# 3,656:
7:52 am PST, Nov 8,
Lynn Clark, California
Meerkats are meant to be in groups, it is cruel to keep him alone.
Meerkats are meant to be in groups, it is cruel to keep him alone.
# 3,654:
1:30 am PST, Nov 8,
Wendy Spall, United Kingdom
# 3,653:
12:05 am PST, Nov 8,
John Downes, United Kingdom
# 3,652:
12:00 am PST, Nov 8,
Gillian Allely, United Kingdom
# 3,651:
11:43 pm PST, Nov 7,
Name not displayed, Switzerland
