A Rescued Meerkat Becomes a Beloved Neighborhood Icon in Osaka

Ragu, a meerkat saved from wandering alone, is now living with a police officer in Ibaraki, Osaka Prefecture. This small creature has turned into an adorable symbol of safety at the local police outpost, capturing the hearts of residents and gaining attention on social media. His daily routine involves standing on the second-floor windowsill, surveying the surroundings, much like the natural behaviors of meerkats in the wild. A popular post featuring Ragu on the police department's Instagram account went viral, garnering over 40,000 likes since it was shared in late June.

Three years ago, Ragu was discovered by the police and taken in when no one claimed him after several weeks. A 55-year-old police inspector, after discussing the possibility with his family, decided to adopt Ragu, turning the police station into both a family home and a base for the meerkat. Ragu has since settled into his new lifestyle, enjoying sunny afternoons by the window while keeping an eye on the neighborhood. The inspector expressed how much Ragu means to them, hoping for his continued happiness.

Meerkats are not commonly found in Japan, making Ragu an even rarer sight. He has adjusted well to life with humans and enjoys a varied diet, with fruits like apples, kiwi, and peaches being his favorites. Initially, locals confused him for a monkey or cat, but Ragu is now recognized as a symbol of good luck in the community. Although somewhat shy around strangers, he shows affection to his adoptive family, often seen in a harness perched on the inspector's shoulder, softly chirping while remaining alert.