Everybody is familiar with the Big Five. Wildlife enthusiasts come from all over the world in order to catch a glimpse of these impressive beasts. We came up with another group of animals, which is just as exciting and valuable to see. The Cute Five are dainty and adorable animals. They have their own stunning and riveting qualities and rituals, which are very much worth experiencing. Read more about these valuable and charming critters below.

Bat-Eared Fox

The bat-eared fox has strict dating rules

When dating is in the equation, the bat-eared fox exhibits behaviour similar to that of a human. When a female fox leaves her scent somewhere, her father follows her and hides his daughter’s scent in order to prevent a possible mate finding her. If a male wants to mate with a female, he has to ask her dad for permission. If the dad doesn’t like his daughter’s suitor, he may attack him and chase him away. Bat-eared foxes are monogamous animals, once they pair up with a suitable mate.

• This canid was named after its large ears
• This species of fox made its first appearance 800 000 years ago
• The nutritional regime of the bat-eared fox is of an 80% insectivorous nature. It can, sometimes, also include rodents, birds, eggs and various fruit
• Most of the daily water intake comes from the food the fox eats
• The groups are small, consisting of the mated pair and their kits. One litter usually produces between 2 and 5 kits

Meerkat

Meerkats always on the lookout

Meerkats are very social creatures, and are known to snuggle up to humans as they slowly get to know them. They are extremely inquisitive animals. Meerkat pups shuffle around oddly when first exploring the outside world. They walk in an unstable fashion, much like a human baby taking its first steps.

• The fawn-coloured meerkat is a relative of the mongoose family
• One clan usually supports 20 meerkats. The clan can, however, expand to include up to 50 meerkats
• This animal is very social in nature, and members of the clan can often be found grooming each other as a way of strengthening bonds
• The meerkat eats lizards, snakes, scorpions, spiders, plants, eggs and centipedes.
• It can eat scorpions, because it is immune to the venom
• The meerkat has no excess body fat, and therefore daily food intake is a crucial necessity
• Meerkats search for food in groups, with each of group members standing guard for one hour at a time.
• Meerkats exhibit babysitting qualities, and protect their young by gathering them in a heap and lying on top of them
• They also engage in wrestling matches and races for fun

African Penguin

The African Penguin is a very comical animal, known for its walk and braying sounds. These goofy penguins are quite reluctant around humans in the beginning. Once they feel safe and comfortable, they venture out into the crowds and slowly saunter around the beach. The African Penguin will proceed to explore its surroundings, and observe the behaviour of humans around it.

Sharing is caring / Clarissa, via Flickr

•  It was named Jackass Penguin for the braying sound it makes, similar to a donkey
• African Penguins eat approximately 540g of food daily, but can increase it up to 1kg when raising chicks
• The well known black stripe and black spots on the chest are unique on each penguin, much like the human’s fingerprints
• The penguin’s colouring is a sneaky form of camouflage. The black prevents predators spotting them when looking down onto the water and the white avoids them from being seen by underwater predators looking up
• The pink glands above the eyes are used for thermoregulation. Thermoregulation is the term used to describe an individual’s aptitude to regulate their body temperature within certain boundaries. As the penguin gets hotter, more blood is sent to those glands in order to lower the penguin’s body temperature
• The African Penguin can live between 10 and 27 years in the wild, and possibly even longer in captivity
• They are, however, very susceptible to predators. Some of these predators include sharks, Cape Fur seals, orcas, genets and the Kelp Gull
• This penguin species is endangered, with only 55000 African Penguins worldwide

Brown Fur Seal

The Brown Fur Seal is a very benevolent and investigative animal; it can often be seen exploring alongside scuba divers. This seal species is also very friendly and has a close bond with each other. When the parents are away searching for food, the babies get together and play in a group.

Inquisitive Seal / Tim Sheerman-Chase, via Flickr

• The most athletic fur seal species is also known as the Cape Fur Seal
• The pups are born after an 11 month gestation period, completely black. They slowly change their colouring to grey within 3 to 5 months
• Seals recognize their pups by their scent
• The Brown Fur Seal lives in the Cape Cross area of Namibia, and in the Cape of Good Hope area of South Africa. Rocky islands, reefs and boulder beaches are favoured breeding spots
• For the Brown Fur Seal, diving as deep as 204m for as long as 7.5 minutes in order to find food is a common practice. Its diet consists of 70% fish, 20% squid and 2% crab
• Predators include the Great White shark, orca, Black-backed jackal and brown hyena

Vervet Monkey

Vervet Mommy and child

Vervet monkey infants bear some semblance to a human infant, in the way they behave. Vervet monkey siblings enjoy playing games and chasing each other, much like human brothers and sisters. Vervet monkey babies are very cuddly and warmhearted around humans. They can spend ages cuddling up with people, wrapped around their shoulders and bouncing around like hyperactive children.

• They love the company of other vervet monkeys, and it is therefore no surprise that they can be found within groups of 72 members. Each of these groups has a hierarchy level firmly in place
• The vervet monkey has a wide range of sounds used in order to warn group members of predators in the midst. The babies like to imitate the warning sounds their parents make
• Vervet monkeys’ diet consists of fruits, leaves, flowers, insects, seeds and birds’ eggs
• Vervet monkeys are, unfortunately, hunted for medicinal purposes and for bush meat

About Mia Lukic

Mia Lukic has written 5 posts in this blog.

Originally from Croatia, I am now living in Africa. Travelling has always been my first love. My favourite place in Namibia would be Damaraland, in between the Skeleton Coast and Central Plateau. Twyfelfontein is rich in history and heritage, and the rock art is definitely an appealing facet to experience!

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