Welcome the New Arrivals: Baby Meerkats at Googoo Café
On August 1, 14 adorable baby meerkats made their official debut at Googoo Cafe, bringing joy and excitement to visitors. Arriving with just 45 days of life, the smallest of the bunch fits in the palm of your hand, embodying the pure cuteness that has already captivated the hearts of many.
Just a month prior, these little ones arrived from the farm, and their unique personalities have begun to flourish. Currently, two of the baby meerkats, Coco and Natsu, are particularly popular, having spent their early days together in the farm environment.
This summer is a special time to see them, as meerkats undergo significant changes within just a few months. Their wobbly first steps, cuddle piles with siblings, and their following of the adults are moments that you won’t want to miss, making this a unique opportunity to experience their early life phase.
Social Creatures Living Together
Meerkats, or Suricata suricatta by their scientific name, are known for their highly social behavior. In the wild, they live in groups referred to as “mobs,” consisting of 10 to 40 members. At Googoo, the babies thrive in a communal setting, learning essential survival skills from the adult meerkats while they grow up together.
You'll be able to witness a range of behaviors that you simply won't see if they were kept individually in cages. From sentinels keeping watch, to playful diggers, and peaceful sleepers huddling together, the meerkat community displays a dynamic that is captivating to observe.
Close Encounters and Interaction
Unlike traditional pet cafes filled with cats or dogs, the meerkats actively approach visitors. During your visit beginning August 1 at the Kichijoji branch, you might have a meerkat on your lap, climbing on your shoulder, or curiously gazing into your eyes. The unique environment allows for both photos and videos to be taken freely, ensuring a memorable experience.
The Importance of Early Socialization
An interesting aspect of meerkat upbringing is the impact of early socialization. It is crucial for their psychological development. Those meerkats who are exposed to only a few people in their formative months can grow up to be fearful and more prone to escape or bite when confronted with unfamiliar people.
At Googoo, the aim is to foster calm, well-adjusted meerkats by introducing them to various individuals during their early months. This approach to animal welfare is openly shared by the cafe to raise awareness about the importance of social interaction in nurturing their temperament. For a deeper look into their animal welfare policies, visit
this link.
Media Inquiries Welcome
The early months of these baby meerkats are fleeting, making now the perfect time to capture their charming personalities. We invite photographers, journalists, and those interested in interviews to reach out. Both the manager and the owner are keen to accommodate your requests. For inquiries, please contact via email at
[email protected].
Visit Us
Navigating this delightful experience is straightforward:
- - Admission: 3,300 yen (tax included) for a 60-minute visit per person.
- - Drinks: Starting at 550 yen (one drink minimum order).
- - Feeding Experience: Add 330 yen to directly feed the meerkats.
We also offer private rental options starting at 24,000 yen (excluding tax) for 30-minute blocks, which can be booked for any number of guests. Make your reservations through our official LINE (@googoo_cafe) or by phone at 0422-26-0587.
Groups such as schools and corporations are encouraged to utilize the cafe for events, with exclusive tours available for planning.
Important Visit Guidelines
To ensure a safe environment for both guests and meerkats, we request that only those who can sit alone may approach. Young children who may find meerkats overwhelming should wait outside. Please note that the meerkats may need to take breaks from interaction if health issues arise—after all, they are living creatures with their own needs.
Store Information
Location: Meerkat Café Googoo, only a one-minute walk from the Inokashira Park entrance in Musashino, Tokyo. Featured in the upcoming February 2024 edition of 'Rurubu & More' as Japan’s first meerkat-specialized café.
Hours: Open from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily, except Mondays when closing is at 6:30 PM.
Animal Handling License: 23 Tokyo Exhibitor 103430 (Exhibition/Sale).
Responsible Animal Handler: Ai Shouji
Website: meer.cafe
For all inquiries, whether for media or reservations, please do not hesitate to contact us at:
- - Media/Group Inquiries: [email protected]
- - Reservations: Official LINE (@googoo_cafe) or phone 0422-26-0587.