OPEN THREAD: THE SEASON COMES TO A CLOSE

Well, I don’t know about you, but the final three episodes for the season pretty much touched on everything imaginable – love, betrayal, fear, conflict, sacrifice, loss and, of course, triumph. It’s amazing how much has changed across the Kalahari since this season first began. Who knew Rocket Dog would rise to the occasion and prove to be not only a leader but a survivor, or that Zorro would make a historic power play only to have all his efforts end up in vain? Share your thoughts about tonight’s season ender and come back tomorrow for a final recap covering all three episodes.

Comments

[Jeff]

In response to G.Michael, Zaphod's birthday is not until December 9 when he will be 10 years old. Being that the Vivian mob are extinct, Zaphod may be the only meerkat born in that group that is still alive.

[Axel]

On August 21st, Zaphod became the oldest male meerkat, but he will have to take over former Drie Doring long-time Dominant female Mabili who lived to age 12.To learn more go to: http://friends.kalahari-meerkats.com/index.php?id=contest.On the 21st Zaphod beat Stinker or Sondheim

[G. Michael]

I might be wrong and please, Meerkata, if I am wrong correct me but I think that today, the 28th, is Zaphod's birthday. If not today it is soon. So Happy Returns to Zaphod and a millipede--or its equivalent for us humans---will be consumed today for you. Keep on keeping on old timer!!!!

[Dana]

I have absolutely loved the Meerkat Manor episodes. I sobbed rediculously when Flower died and was devasted when Rocket Dog almost went the same way, and then I was so relieved. But now I'm sad the season is over. Cant wait to see more.

[Janelle]

I loved every minute of the last 3 episodes. It was very weel done and I actually liked all 3 together. I can only pray that MM will continue on. I have loved MM since the beginning and this last episodes were really fabulous. I hated to see RD suffer as she did but she is such a fighter and it was wonderful to see her family around her to see her make it through. I really think that this helped her survive. I knew that meerkats mourn. And those meerkats were doing just that.....AP please continue to give us this incredible show each week. I am not sure what it would be like if MM was not on. It is educational, funny, sad, and those meerkats are just so darn cute. Please please continue with it. Many have voiced their opinions along the way with all of season 4's changes, but the meerkats did not know the differece and they just kept coming back each week and doing what they do best....entertain us on Friday nights!

[Nancibee]

Any chance that someone from Animal Planet will put us out of our misery about whether or not there will be a 5th season? Presumably they know. Also, I seem to be in the minority with this, but I vastly prefer Stockard Channing to Sean Astin as the narrator. To me, it was always obvious that he was reading from a script, whereas Ms. Channing, the more mature narrator, sounds like she's confiding the meerkats' secrets to us over a freshly made pot of tea and a tasty bowl of live scorpions.

[Angie aka Meerkata]

Joy

The answer to your question regarding Houdini is that the part of 'Houdini' was played by 2 different meerkats.

The 1st stand in was Dougal Zappa, brother of Punk and Lola and the 2nd stand in was Aurenko of the Young Ones.

Unfortunately both have passed over the Rainbow Bridge.

Angie aka Meerkata

[Rocket Dog lover]

Thanks Angie aka meerkata for the info

[debbie]

I am so hooked on this show. I know that there has been alot of complaining this season about everthing and anything, but when it comes down to the nitty gritty, it's all about the Meerkats. I so hope that we continue to have several seasons to come. I have enjoyed every season thus far. And where oh where is Jason?

[Joy]

Ok, I heard somewhere that Houdini was dead...does anyone know more about this? I hope he isn't...I know the Zappa were chased off their territory by the Commandos. Houdini was one of my favorites..."The Don Juan of the Dessert", although I think that title easily goes to Wilson now...lol

[NHW]

On Friday, Aug 22, episode, it was advertised as 'series finale' but it seems on the show it was 'season finale'. There is a big difference between series finale vs. season finale. Tell me that MM is not over forever, please!!!

[Judy/Mike]

We have been obsessed with Meerkat Manor ever since we started watching it. We were very sad to see RD get bit by a snake and were so glad she didn't die like Flower but are alarmed at the comments that she got hit by a truck? Where did that information come from???? Thank heavens there is a season 5 and does anybody know when we can buy the DVD of season 4?

[Judy/Mike]

We have been obsessed with Meerkat Manor ever since we started watching it. We were very sad to see RD get bit by a snake and were so glad she didn't die like Flower but are alarmed at the comments that she got hit by a truck? Where did that information come from???? Thank heavens there is a season 5 and does anybody know when we can buy the DVD of season 4?

[Big Si]

Thanks Rocket Dog Lover and Meerkata for the clarification!

with that said I just made the "pup" level donation to FKMP and currently awaiting my packet!!!

[Angie aka Meerkata]

Big Si

The real Sophie aka Tina Sparkle was the daughter of Mozart but was evicted and for awhile they did have a radio collar on her. The last that we heard was that she was pregnant and all alone, but that was quite awhile ago. Because she was a fan favorite is why they continued to use the name in Season 4 especially when the meerkat Ella portrayed some of the same caring behavior that Sophie was known for and as we all know Sophie took after her momma Mozart the caring one.

Angie aka Meerkata

[Angie aka Meerkata]

To Rocket Dog Lover:

Ella's mother is Flower, she was part of Flower's 9th litter with Billy(female), Miles and Baker as her littermates. They were born 08/26/05 so that means they will be having their 3rd birthday this Tuesday.

Angie aka Meerkata

[Rocket Dog lover]

sophie is ella does anybody know whos ella mother because i dont know could someone tell me please i just need to know

[flowerpower]

THIS IS NOT THE SERIES FINAL..I LIVE IN THE UNITED STATES. NORTHEAST AND ANIMAL PLANT HAD THE FINAL 3 EPISODES OF THE SEASON....THERE IS A SEASON 5...

[Big Si]

Peggy Augustus -

If you look closely it looks as if there is plenty of slack on the radio collars, I initially thought the same thing but noticed it looked like there was enough to compensate for the swelling...good thing because I am pretty sure they wouldn't be able to sedate her while dealing with the effects of venom running through her veins...

[Peggy Augustus]

I know that photographers and videographers do not interfere with the animals when they are sick or wounded but I thought it was unconscionable not to remove the collar from Rocket Dog when her head was so swollen from the snakebite. It's a wonder she didn't choke to death!

[Big Si]

SEASON 5! SEASON 5!

Thanks Meerkata for all of the info...

Do you or anyone else out there know who Sophie really is?

Also I know they showed Mitch as the DM of Whiskers for a while but last I remember he had disappeared and Machu Pichu was the DM, maybe this footage is from before then

[G. Michael]

The feeling that I got from the finale can be best described as one of optimisism. Many of us who have watched the show for previous years have felt devastated by season 3. Season 4 started off a bit "shaky". The viewers had to adjust to the loss of the previous year and a new narrator while The Family had to adjust to a new leader----Rocket Dog. And the Aztecs had to deal with a leader, Maybelline, who was still reading the leadership manual! But they all, as a Family, pulled through and we were shown some incredible behavoir thanks to Zorro, Miles, Baker, and Duke! The photography for the show has ALWAYS been amazing. The storytelling, how they have pieced all of this together from the real life in the Kalahari, has been excellent. And knowing the true fate of Rocket Dog (RIP) and how things have been going in the Kalahari Manor, still left me feeling optimistic about the future of the Whiskers and eager for a season 5. Just wait till next year!!! Keep up the GREAT work guys!!!!!

[Queenflower]

Season 4 was truly wonderful despite my reservations when I had first seen the "Don't Judge..." advertisements. These last 3 episodes were nothing short of amazing and provided us with a truly special evening to end the season (and hopefully not the end of the series).
I have cherished every moment of Meerkat Manor from the very first episode until now. Even though Flower will always be my true love, I hold a special place in my heart for every meerkat. I have watched Flower's progeny grow and spread throughout the manor leaving their own individual legacy in the sands of the Kalahari. What a blessing to be able to be a part of this.
I found the last episode the hardest to watch this season. Seeing Rocket Dog's beautiful face all puffed up brought me to tears immediately. Since I knew she would survive I was better able to watch what seemed like an unimaginably long segment of her in agony. But I couldn't help but think of my Flower and all the pain and agony she must have endured only to die. I only pray she could sense the presence of some of her loved ones around her during her last moments.
On a happier note, I am absolutely in love with Juneau. What a doll. While I was truly saddened that Rita killed RD's pups I was overjoyed that Juneau was kept safe and that our Sophie has shown herself to be a DF in the making. What a superstar she is.
The chaos over at the Commandos was something to behold and I was amazed at this incredible footage of Miles and Baker duking it out - not to mention Nikita joining in as well. She is one tough kat. I'm crazy about her.
I'll miss Zorro. I hope his pain ended quickly. He's with his mama now and so is our sweet, courageous Rocket Dog. Bless her soul. She was a wonderful DF and did her mother proud.
I can only hope that we will get a Season 5 but if we don't I am grateful for every episode we have seen and completely indebted to Animal Planet and everyone behind the making of Meerkat Manor for bringing that special Desert Rose into my heart forever.

Queenflower

[Gail]

If there is a 5th season, please bring back Sean Astin. This season has really suffered with so many changes. He is the voice of MM and we still want him back.

[John]

If they cancel MM, how About a season of Snake Manor? Then we'll still see the Meerkats, although they'll get bitten.