Looks Can Fool You

If April Fools’ Day had a face, it would be a meerkat.

Don’t get me wrong — I’m completely on their side. But just look at them: that upright stance, that tense posture, that slightly puzzled expression that says: wait… what just happened? A meerkat doesn’t just live its life. It’s constantly checking if something suspicious is going on.

Looks can be deceiving.

At first glance — yes, they’re cute. Almost toy-like. But look closer, and you’ll see focused, alert predators. Meerkats hunt, they’re not afraid of snakes or scorpions, and they seem to know a little more than they let on.

While you’re still deciding whether to play a trick on them, one of them is already standing guard, quietly watching you.

Everything about them feels like a well-rehearsed scenario: one keeps watch, the others stay busy, and somewhere nearby, something suspiciously playful is always happening. Because despite all their seriousness, meerkats are constantly messing around. They play, shove each other, pull little tricks — all while looking like everything is under control.

The longer you watch them, the stronger the feeling that they live in a permanent April Fools’ mode, where nothing is quite what it seems and where seriousness and play go hand in hand. And at some point, you stop being sure — were you trying to trick them, or did they already get you?

Because, after all, looks can fool you.

^{P.S. No meerkats were harmed during the shoot. Though a few of them may still be wondering what just happened.}

Thank you for stopping by!

Loro Park, Tenerife, Spain.
June, 2011.
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