A simple trench between the visitor wall and the meerkeat enclosure would do it.
A taller fence such that young children cannot reach over it (plexiglass so we can still see them).
Barbed wire or equivalent.
Meerkats in enclosed cages with windows, not open spaces.
Sorry, but there's really heaps that a zoo can do to stop people actually being able to get near certain animals. In the case of meerkats, I suspect the demand from the public is to see them in a 'reachable' situation because they're seen as cute and cuddly, like Timon. Zoos cave (or lack the funding to properly protect every animal's enclosure) and this sort of thing happens.
I'm not "holding the zoo responsible", but I do think a partial blame lies with them. In all things, I've always found that the best way to stop someone doing something you don't want them to do - is to make it impossible. Signs, rules, training, it's all completely useless against that 1/100th of the population that's simply too hellbent on getting in to pay any attention.
That said, I would not have initially said "you need more protection here". Meerkats will not kill you if you do reach in, and rabies shots are available. Who would have ever thought someone would decline the shots and kill the meerkats instead? However, hindsight is 20/20, as they say.
A taller fence such that young children cannot reach over it (plexiglass so we can still see them).
Barbed wire or equivalent.
Meerkats in enclosed cages with windows, not open spaces.
Sorry, but there's really heaps that a zoo can do to stop people actually being able to get near certain animals. In the case of meerkats, I suspect the demand from the public is to see them in a 'reachable' situation because they're seen as cute and cuddly, like Timon. Zoos cave (or lack the funding to properly protect every animal's enclosure) and this sort of thing happens.
I'm not "holding the zoo responsible", but I do think a partial blame lies with them. In all things, I've always found that the best way to stop someone doing something you don't want them to do - is to make it impossible. Signs, rules, training, it's all completely useless against that 1/100th of the population that's simply too hellbent on getting in to pay any attention.
That said, I would not have initially said "you need more protection here". Meerkats will not kill you if you do reach in, and rabies shots are available. Who would have ever thought someone would decline the shots and kill the meerkats instead? However, hindsight is 20/20, as they say.
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