GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – If you’re not going “up north” for the Labor Day weekend or hitting the beach, you may want to take the family to the John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids for Meerkat Mania.

Contrary to many opinions, Meerkats are not the same as Prairie Dogs. Meerkats are more tolerant of hot summer temperatures. They are social animals which are long and skinny and have black markings under their eyes. In fact, they are immune to the venom in the snakes and scorpions they eat.

MORE NEWS: Bedrock, GM Propose $250M in Taxpayer Money for Ren Cen Revamp

Meerkat Mania not only features these cute critters but also live music, animal activities, and specialty food. It runs from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Labor Day.

To find tickets click here.