Meerkat Manor Blog : Animal Planet

The Final Countdown

Get ready for three times the Meerkat in one recap as we take you through the final episodes of the season!

Let’s begin with “The Rovers Return,” featuring everyone’s favorite meerkat ladies man, Wilson. This particular morning, he’s sauntering by the Commandos’ crib, but with Zorro now glued to his mother Nikita’s side, the welcome mat is not exactly out. Wilson not only needs a new place to call home, but a new group as well, hopefully one where he can take on the role of dominant male. With wingman Phillippe by his side, Wilson’s chances of succeeding are vastly improved.

It’s been a rainy summer in the Kalahari – rainy as in “torrential downpours” -- enough to make the Whiskers’ burrow look like an island rising among the tall manor grass. Whiskers’ leader Rocket Dog is in the final weeks of her pregnancy, but she’s not the only one expecting. She’s managed to evict most of her competition, with the exception of Rita as well as Wiley Kat, who is due very soon and needs to stay on Rocket Dog’s good side as long as possible. Of the other pregnant females already evicted, only Sophie remains in the vicinity. Her hopes of giving birth within the Whiskers’ safe haven have all but disappeared, but she’s still lurking close by in case the tide should turn. For now, her efforts to get back in their good graces are put on hold as an eagle in the area sends everyone running for cover.

It’s a close call, but now the Whiskers have roving Wilson and his sidekick Phillippe nosing about. Wilson is certainly popular among the Whiskers’ girls – let’s be honest, he’s likely the baby daddy for all of them (now there’s a talk show interview waiting to happen!). But Mitch doesn’t have any intention of giving up his position as dominant male, at least not without a fight. Even though Wilson has Phillippe to watch his back, the duo is no match for Mitch and his lieutenants.

Sophie has been watching the attempted coup from the sidelines, but when Wilson and his buddy dart away, she takes advantage of the situation and heads after him, hoping to spark a reunion. She gets exactly what she wished for, thanks in part to Phillippe, who distracts the Whiskers long enough for Wilson to lead Sophie to a bolt hole for a little privacy.Though Sophie has spent the afternoon with her long lost love, it turns out she’s been creeping back into the Whiskers’ burrow at night to catch some zzz’s after everyone else has gone to bed. This time, she finds pregnant Wiley Kat blocking her path, and she’s all too happy to deny her sister Sophie entry, especially if it’s going to earn brownie points with Rocket Dog. Wiley Kat's pledge of allegiance doesn’t prove to be enough – the next morning, Rocket Dog gives her the boot and it couldn’t come at a worse time because Wiley Kat is due any minute. Now the only person Wiley Kat can turn to is the very same sister she refused just the night before, but Sophie knows what it’s like to be an outcast and quickly forgives and forgets. They head below ground, as Wiley Kat’s pups could easily arrive before nightfall.

Meanwhile, Wilson and Phillippe have set their sights on Maybelline and the Aztecs but first they will need to oust her father Zaphod. He may be more of a senior citizen meerkat when it comes to the manor, but that doesn’t mean he’s lost his fight. While Phillippe tries to take on Zaphod, Wilson attempts to woo Maybelline; however, both fail and it appears this dynamic duo may not be so dynamic after all.

As for Wiley Kat, her litter did indeed come during the night, but sadly none of them made it. The deaths may be a sign of things to come for Sophie as well, as pups born away from an established group rarely survive for long, if at all. Fortunately, Wilson and Phillippe return to make it a foursome, but whether or not they’ll become a force to be reckoned with remains to be seen.

In the next episode, “Home Alone,” we head back to the Whiskers’ burrow, where Rocket Dog has just given birth to four new pups. The new mom managed to evict nearly every other adult female that posed a threat prior to the pups’ arrival, with the exception of 1-year-old Rita who is expecting a litter of her own soon. Rita is also well aware that her pups would have a much better chance of survival if Rocket Dog’s litter were to conveniently “disappear.” It would be the darkest of deeds, but it’s not out of the question, so it’s a bit surprising that Rocket Dog chooses to leave Rita in charge while the rest of the group heads out to forage.

Just down the road, Sophie, Wiley Kat, Wilson and Phillippe are still together a week after first joining forces, which bodes well for Sophie’s own forthcoming litter and their chance of survival. Their good luck is temporarily thrown off by the presence of a genet, a catlike predator that fancies the undergrowth as a resting place until nightfall when it becomes more active. The Kalahari kitty cat is not a serious threat, but the foursome play it safe and take refuge in their bolt hole for the rest of the day. Later, Sophie discovers the genet has finally wandered off for greener pastures, but unfortunately, so have Wilson and Phillippe. It looks like she’ll be facing life as a single parent after all.

Meanwhile, the Whiskers return from a successful outing. Their good fortune is marred, however, when Rocket Dog heads underground to feed her pups, and she makes a grizzly discovery. The blood around Rita’s mouth confirms her worst fears. The pups are gone. It’s a shocking move, and it may prove to be a fruitless one, as Rita ends up bearing just one pup of her own, Juno. Most of the Whiskers seem indifferent to his arrival, even his own mother. In the distance, Sophie and Wiley Kat keep an eye on the situation, looking for any opportunity to make their way back into the fold to give Sophie’s forthcoming litter a chance of survival.

It looks like Sophie's persistence has paid off – three weeks later, we discover that Sophie has not only been allowed to return, but put in charge of watching wee Juno. With her own litter of three new pups – Pickle, Chips and Flashman – Sophie has also beefed up the Whiskers’ strength in numbers. Their expanding brood is threatened by vultures lurking overhead. Normally, Rocket Dog would have moved her clan to a new burrow by now, but the births caused a delay and now they have no choice but to attempt the relocation under dangerous circumstances. In the chaos, Juno is left behind, but Rita’s maternal instincts finally kick in and she helps him to safety.

And so we head into the final episode of the season, and with a title like “The Darkest Day,” one can only imagine what trouble lies ahead. For the Whiskers, it looks like it’s come in the form of a puff adder that infiltrated the burrow the night before in search of a pup buffet. Juno and Sophie’s triplets cheat death, but Rocket Dog is severely wounded in the line of duty with a snake bite to the head. Her best chance of survival is to move as little as possible, but this is no time for R&R – it’s imperative to get the pups and the rest of the group to a new burrow as soon as possible. With Rocket Dog out of commission and fighting for her life, the move is painstakingly slow and interrupted by the presence of another group in the distance. The Whiskers are forced to take cover in the nearest bolt hole until the danger passes, while Rocket Dog fears she may meet the same fate as her beloved mother Flower.

Meanwhile, over at the Commandos, Miles has returned from life as an outcast – Zorro had thrown him out earlier in the season – and he scans the group for any signs of his foe. Zorro is nowhere to be seen. Could the job of dominant male be up for grabs? Maybe, but Miles is not the only one interested in the position. Brother Baker has his eye on the prize as well, and the two soon get into a bloody battle. Nikita even gets involved for a bit, surprisingly helping Miles pin down Baker, but she eventually leaves the two males to hash it out mano-a-mano.

Back at the Whiskers’ bolt hole pit stop, things have gone from bad to worse. Not only is venom coursing through Rocket Dog’s veins and threatening to take her life, but now a mole snake is lying in wait to ambush the rest of the group as they try to make a move. Fortunately, Axel keeps the predator distracted long enough for Sophie to get the pups to safer digs. Mitch stays behind to keep vigil over his fallen sister.

The shot of a radio collar in a tree can only mean one thing: the manor has lost a leader … but who? In this case, it is not Flower’s daughter Rocket Dog, but rather her son Zorro, who not only lived by the claw, but died by it as well. Though it seems like Rocket Dog may not be far behind in meeting the same fate, she manages to muster up enough strength to catch up with her family at their new home. After three days, her swelling begins to subside and her status switches from severe to survivor. Though Sophie is waiting in the wings to take over the reins of leadership, Rocket Dog has clearly proven her power, strength and ability to overcome the odds.

An amazing end to an amazing season – be sure to share your thoughts, and come back next to week to sound off about your top moments from the entire season!

Cha-cha-cha-changes!

Episode 10 recap: “The Birds”

The Whiskers wake up to a Kalahari air show featuring drongos catching insects on their wings. Eight-week-old pups Nugget and Beaker have never seen a display like this before. It’s time for the Whiskers to find another burrow once again, thanks to their last home being infested with parasites. Seriously, moving companies in the Kalahari could make a killing, but then again, meerkats pack light.

The mob stops for breakfast before setting out in search of new digs. Nugget and Beaker are now exclusively on solids, and a gecko omelet packs plenty of protein. I think I’ll stick with the Moons Over My Hammy, thank you very much.

Another bird swoops through the morning sky – this time, it’s a hornbill, and its large wings make it look like menacing, but as Rocket Dog knows, hornbills have little interest in meerkats as prey. Good thing too, as there’s more pups on the way – Rocket Dog is pregnant again, but she’s not the only one. All the female Whiskers are expecting, including Sophie, Wiley Kat, and even young Rita. However, Rocket Dog has no interest in a group baby shower – soon, she will evict any and everyone threatening her pups.

Over at the Commandos, Nikita’s pups are also eating solids but opt for something with a little more kick: scorpions. While a scorpion’s venom is powerful enough to kill a human, meerkats have built-in immunity. The Commandos have a thing or two to learn when it comes to sharing, though – stepdad Zorro has no intention of giving any part of his meal to the pups, while Nikita bullies Miles into giving up his grub.

The Whiskers are on the move, looking for new territory to call home. Nugget and Beaker continue foraging for themselves, a skill they’ll need to perfect now that they’re getting older, and learn that ants are much more difficult to catch than one might think. A strange call puts Beaker on high alert. It sounds like a goshawk, but turns out to be a drongo in disguise – this bird is the master when it comes to imitation, and pretty savvy when it comes to snatching away the meerkats’ meals.

Nugget wanders off solo, but the long grass doesn’t provide the most ideal vantage point for this youngster, who stands less than 8 inches tall, nor does it provide enough coverage or camouflage. A black-chested snake eagle is in the area, and when Rocket Dog raises the alarm, all are present and accounted for … except Nugget. The drongo soars in and aggressively mobs the snake eagle – the valiant move was more to protect itself, but in doing so, the bird saves the day for the meerkats as well, allowing Nugget to make his way back to the fold. With afternoon temperatures nearing 113 degrees, the Whiskers take a break from the midday heat and settle in for a nap, all except Mitch, who stands guard with one eye on his family and one eye on the sky.

There’s been drama brewing over at the Commandos as well, but all internal. Zorro is back on his brother Miles’ case for showing too much interest in Nikita. Miles is quick to the read the signs and maintains a low profile, keeping watch on his group from the edge of their territory. Nikita catches sight of him, but so does Zorro, and he wastes no time in marking Nikita with his scent and then heads straight for Miles, trapping his rival in a bolt hole with every intention of teaching him who’s boss once and for all.

The Whiskers awaken from their siesta only to discover three trespassers in the distance. Mitch mobilizes the troops, including Nugget and Beaker, who are about to get their first experience on the front line. They rise to the challenge, but the chase is a short one as the intruders quickly scurry away. It turns out to be none other than exiled Finn, along with her two pregnant sisters, who were hoping to make a return to the family fold. Three may be a crowd, but in this case, sticking together is the best option if they want to survive.

Back on Commandos’ soil, Miles survives Zorro’s ruthless attack but is now faced with life on the outskirts. It’s the first male eviction in manor history and the dawn of a new era. Zorro’s rise to dominance has been acknowledged not only by his fellow Commandos, including Nikita, but observers as well – he now spots a radio collar, an accessory that has become the ultimate symbol of power, authority and status.

Speaking of status, Rocket Dog is finally getting her family settled in their newly discovered home, and just in time, too. Soon, Nugget and Beaker will have new brothers and sisters to play with and protect. Will the Whiskers’ growing army prove to be strong enough to keep the Commandos at bay, especially now that Zorro has apparently taken over as commander-in-chief? Only three episodes remain – give me your best predictions for how it will all play out!

Maybe It's Maybelline

Episode 9 recap: “To the Manor Born”

The storms in the Kalahari skies may be dying down, but there’s plenty of trouble still brewing across the burrows. Maybelline and her small Aztec mob continue to wander the desert with no place to call home, having been booted by rival gangs again and again whenever they’ve tried to put down roots. Fortunately, Zaphod has stuck by her side through thick and thin, but life on the run is taking its toll on this seasoned meerkat, and things are not going to get easier any time soon. Not only is Maybelline expecting pups thanks to Wilson, but sisters Angie, Bananas, and even young EJ are all pregnant as well.

The number of forthcoming mouths to feed could be both a blessing and a curse – increasing their numbers should potentially make the Aztec mob stronger, but the pups will never survive if they can’t find a safe haven to raise them, especially in those crucial first few weeks of life. Maybelline is due any moment, but unfortunately the Aztecs current stomping grounds are none other than the Lazulis’ former homestead. A watchful Zaphod spots the rival gang (now under new management) approaching in the distance, and the Aztecs are once again faced with the decision to fight or flee – they choose the latter.

Across the way, the Commandos are gearing up for a day of foraging and babysitting. Nikita has added four new recruits to her brood, but after evicting a third of the group before the pups’ birth three weeks ago, she’s running low on helping hands. Nikita bends the rules and allows Venus to return so she can pitch in, but this formerly exiled meerkat is understandably still a bit nervous, and therefore not much of a help in the daycare department.

Meanwhile, the former Whiskers boys – Miles, Baker, Dizzy, and Duke – have managed to avoid stirring up any unpleasant reprimands from Nikita, but that doesn’t mean they’re not interested in getting her attention (and then some). Now that she’s fertile again, her dance card looks like it’s about to get very full – but not if Zorro has anything to say about it!

Back on the other side of the manor, the Aztecs have managed to flee the Lazuli for now, taking temporary refuge at a riverside bolt hole. Problem is, it’s just that – temporary. Maybelline is stuck between a rock and a hard place – she can’t go across the river bed, as that’s where sister-turned-enemy Rocket Dog has claimed her spot, but going back the other way will bring more Lazuli trouble and could prove to be disastrous. However, being homeless and pregnant isn’t an option as well, so Maybelline gathers her troops, small as the numbers might be, and her courage, and marches everyone to battle.

It doesn’t take long for the Lazuli to spy their foes, and though the tussles are fast and furious, it is Maybelline, Zaphod, and the Aztecs who claim victory. Of course, war does not come without casualties, and an injured and expecting EJ may end up paying the price, either by losing her pups or her own life. And while Maybelline’s attack on the Lazuli may have gained her group a birthing burrow, it’s going to be just as important for the Aztecs to hang on to the space over the next few weeks so her pups have a chance to survive.

The Commandos are dealing with their own battle – one for Nikita’s affection. Miles, Baker, and Dizzy all have an eye on her, but Zorro makes no bones about reminding everyone who is the dominant male. Regardless, Miles is the first to break out and make his move for the boss, and when Zorro’s back is turned, Baker tries his luck as well, but neither seems to get very far. Duke has decided to pursue other options, namely Nikita’s sister Rosie and her daughter Samba, but they have their hands full babysitting Nikita’s pups.  Has Duke lost his touch with the ladies?

A few weeks pass, and Nikita’s tiny tots have doubled in size as well as attitude. They are a feisty foursome and well on their way to becoming Commandos through and through. Zorro is still right by Nikita’s side, but his persistency at protecting his woman may prove to be futile. Nikita’s pregnant again, but as she’s been sneaking in some one-on-one “grooming” time with Mitch, it’s anyone’s guess as to who the father is! As one might guess, this has made Mitch a target and his days may be numbered.

Over at the Lazuli burrow, a relatively stable past three weeks has provided new mother Maybelline just the environment she needs for safely raising her new pups: McCartney, Ringo, Lennon and Harrison! However, two of her pregnant sisters are nowhere to be found – Maybelline had no choice but to evict them in order to give her own pups the best chance for survival. Injured sister EJ has managed to nurse herself back to health after the Lazuli run-in, but as expected, lost her pups in the recovery process. Her nurturing instinct will not go to waste, though – Maybelline is all too happy to have EJ step into the role of wet nurse to keep her pups healthy. The Aztecs have expanded from seven to 11, almost rivaling Rocket Dog’s group – could this be Maybelline’s moment to steal the spotlight once and for all?

Let me know what you think!

One Thing Leads to Another

Episode 8 recap: “Divided We Fall”

There’s trouble on the horizon, and not just in the Kalahari skies. The meerkats take refuge underground as they wait for another swift but violent storm to blow over, but it’s clear that something potentially severe has already happened.

The day’s events rewind to first show things from the perspective of Rocket Dog’s new pups Nugget and his sister Beaker. They’re remarkably strong for being just four weeks old, and like most siblings, rough housing with each other is second nature. Sophie is on babysitting duty again while the other Whiskers are out and about looking for a bite to eat. Today, she’s getting assistance from Simon, one of Rocket Dog’s last pups who’s now older and eager to take on more responsibility.

Nugget and Beaker need some nourishment as well, but Sophie is not lactating and Rocket Dog could be away with the family for awhile. Simon decides the pups might enjoy something a bit heartier like a centipede, but Beaker claims the grub for herself before Nugget can get a bite. Thought the pups have yet to wander away from the safety of the burrow, Simon and Sophie decide a breakfast outing is in order.

The meal options are fairly standard, mostly just grub, though Nugget spots something much larger that whets his appetite: scorpions. Good thing Simon is close by to keep things in check – these tasty treats are a big no-no for the Kids’ Menu. Grub will have to do, but the meal is filling enough to put everyone into a food coma.

Unfortunately, it’s not the best time to catch a few Zzz’s – something rouses Sophie and sure enough, the Aztecs are only 100 yards away, led by Rocket Dog’s sister-turned-rival Maybelline. This Whiskers splinter group has yet to spot the foursome, and though it would be wise for Sophie to keep quiet, she’s overpowered by her natural instinct to sound the alarm. Now that she has the Aztecs full attention, there’s only one thing left to do – run.

Sophie and Simon try to shepherd Nugget and Beaker to the closest bolt hole ASAP. If the Aztecs catch up to them, the pups won’t stand a chance. They find a hiding place, and Sophie stands guard at the entrance while Simon crawls in deeper to investigate the digs. Right about now would be a really great time for Rocket Dog and the Whiskers to swoop in and save the day… but there’s no sight of them. Where could they be?

The answer to that question is about to be revealed. The day rewinds and now we see things from Rocket Dog’s perspective. She’s left babysitters Sophie and Simon in charge while leading the family on their morning outing for a meal. Thankfully, food is in abundant supply, which is good news for nursing Rocket Dog. All has been relatively quiet on the Kalahari front for a few weeks now, and it’s starting to look like the Whiskers might be on their way to once again reigning supreme.

During their foraging, the Whiskers come across one of their old stomping grounds that’s since been occupied by new tenants. The scent is familiar, and it doesn’t take long to figure out Maybelline and her Aztecs have been in residence. The Whiskers set about reclaiming the property, but making their mark isn’t the top priority. The discovery of the Aztecs’ presence in the burrow reveals just how closely the mob has nosed their way into Whiskers territory. If Rocket Dog doesn’t track them down before sister Maybelline discovers her newborns, their lives will be in grave danger.

It doesn’t take long for the Whiskers to track down the Aztecs, and sure enough, their headed right in the direction of the babysitting burrow. It’s time for Rocket Dog to put the pedal to the medal, and she continues the chase until the Aztecs are driven as far away from the burrow as possible. Only problem is… Nugget and Beaker are not at the burrow, and Rocket Dog has just inadvertently run her mortal enemies right into the path of her precious pups.

The bad luck continues as Simon discovers their temporary refuge has already been occupied by a snake. But with the Aztecs still hovering near the entrance and desperate to get at the pups, there’s no where to turn but Sophie and Simon have no intentions of going down without a fight.

Back at the Whiskers burrow, Rocket Dog discovers Nugget and Beaker are nowhere to be found, but as a severe storm blows in, the Whiskers are forced to take cover and halt their search. When evening begins to fall and the pups are still unaccounted for, one can only assume the worst.

The next morning, with no little ones at the homestead to keep an eye on, the entire family moves out. There’s a lone figure in the distance headed their way – it’s Sophie! She calls out to her mob and leads them to where she left Nugget and Beaker safe and sound, thanks to the heroism of their babysitters and a little help from Mother Nature – the storm forced the Aztecs to take shelter as well. But in a cruel twist of fate, Simon’s standoff with the snake did not end in his favor. Though Nugget and Beaker survived, the pups’ first outing into the big wide world has proved to be a very startling and sad experience they are not likely to forget anytime soon.

A bittersweet episode to say the least, don’t you think? Share your comments!

Someone to Watch Over Me

Episode 7 recap: “The Bodyguard”

It’s springtime in the Kalahari, and the rebirth of the land is a sight to behold, especially for 1-year-old Axel. Born a Zappa but rescued and fostered by the Whiskers, Axel is no longer the baby of the family with the arrival of Rocket Dog’s new pups, Nugget and Beaker. It’s the perfect opportunity for Axel to step up to the plate and pitch in on the baby-sitting front to earn his keep. He has a surprising partner to help him out with the task: Sophie. The once exiled family member has been accepted back into the burrow, now no longer perceived as a threat.

For the first few weeks of their new young lives, the pups will spend their time in the underground nursery. Providing nourishment is usually a group effort, but right now Rocket Dog is the only female producing milk, so the pups’ meals are not going to be as frequent as they might have hoped.

Fortunately, the pups were born at the best time of the year, when the Kalahari is plentiful with lots of different insects to provide Rocket Dog with a healthy, balanced and fulfilling diet. The only drawback of the fertile land is a lack of camouflage – a brown meerkat stands out against the backdrop of green grass and spring flowers. However, Mitch has Rocket Dog’s back, keeping an eye on things so she can feast with little worry of predators.

Mitch has fully embraced his role as dominant male of the Whiskers with a strong and dependable demeanor. He spots something in the trees that grabs his attention, and his concern. It’s a colony of social weavers, African birds that build their nests high among the branches and have somewhat of a similar social structure to meerkats in that they assist in raising each other’s young. But these birds are no bigger than sparrows, so why would Mitch be concerned about them posing a threat? Turns out it’s what’s burrowing inside their nest that’s causing his concern – the deadly Cape cobra. This unexpected visitor could prove to be a long-term issue for the social weavers, and it’s a startling reminder to the Whiskers about the important role of the burrow baby-sitters.

Axel has the best intentions for his first morning on the job, but with all seemingly quiet on the desert front, he can’t help but nod off. While he takes his meerkat nap, a stranger approaches, making his way cautiously toward the burrow. Axel stirs from his sleep but fails to spot the potential intruder and slips back into slumber land. The rogue meerkat makes his way into the burrow, but has no interest in harming the pups. In fact, he might very well be their father – it’s none other than Wilson from the Commandos, but today the object of his mission is Sophie. However, the burrow nursery is really not an appropriate place for, ahem, afternoon delight shall we say, so Wilson and Sophie take it outside.

While Axel may have nodded off during Wilson’s first approach, it doesn’t take long for him now to spot what’s brewing. With Axel on his case, Wilson makes a hasty exit, leaving Sophie in the lurch, and amid all the chaos no one notices the puff adder snake moving dangerously too close to the burrow.

In a case of terrible timing, Nugget and Beaker have decided to try and find their way to the entrance in search of nourishment. Sophie and Axel aren’t equipped to help out in that department, so the pups will just have to wait for their mother to return. Speaking of returns, Wilson has come back but this time he’s brought a wing man, Phillipe, to distract Axel so he can get some quality time with Sophie. The plan seems to be working, as Axel heads off after Phillipe, but Wilson’s scheme is interrupted with the return of the Whiskers clan. Now that Axel has a little more muscle on his side, his courage flourishes. He runs off Phillipe, while Mitch decides to show Wilson who’s boss at this manor.

Threat conditions, however, are still at high levels, with the puff adder lying in wait near the entrance to the burrow. Usual defense tactics for the meerkats would involve mobbing the snake to drive him off, but as the puff adder can move in only one direction – farther into the burrow – the meerkats’ decision to mob the snake may prove to be a deadly, with Rocket Dog’s pups paying the ultimate price.

There’s movement at the main entrance of the den, and remarkably, it’s Sophie shepherding young Nugget to safety. Beaker, however, is still unaccounted for, and though it’s a risk to her own life, Rocket Dog successfully saves her other pup, channeling some of her mother Flower’s bravery. Mitch’s return shows signs of a rough smack-down with Wilson, but he’s certainly proven he’s as tough of a warrior as his father, Zaphod.

It’s been a harrowing day at the manor but one that thankfully had a happy ending – for now. While Sophie has used her second chance with the Whiskers wisely and proved to be an invaluable member of the family, she’s also growing up fast. Her instinct to have her own pups is just going to get stronger, and with Wilson more than eager to shower her with love, can it be too long before Sophie is at odds with Rocket Dog once again?

What did you think of this week’s episode? Will Sophie blow her re-acceptance by the Whiskers in favor of having her own family, or will Rocket Dog continue her reign on the throne?

Sweet Child O' Mine

Episode 6 recap: “Great Expectations”

It’s a change of season in the Kalahari, and with it comes a number of changes among the meerkats as well. Rocket Dog is in the final stages of her pregnancy, and desperately needs a successful delivery to ensure her dominant female status among the Whiskers.

Over at the Commandos’ burrow, Zorro is settling into his newly acquired role as dominant male -- never mind that it’s with his family’s archenemy. He’s been busy making his mark (literally) all over his new home, as well as his new subordinates, to make sure they know there’s a new sheriff in town. Zorro may be the Commandos’ sheriff, but Nikita is still the mayor of the land, and her power is about to expand – as is her belly. Nikita is also pregnant, and having already given birth to 12 pups over the last year, she’s a shoe-in for Mother of the Year. Of course, that distinction would be based on quantity, not personality – in fact, Nikita’s temper is growing shorter and shorter, and she’s not about to let any of the other female Commandos use her pregnancy as an opportunity to oust her from her post.

While Nikita’s pregnancy has apparently made her increasingly feisty, Rocket Dog’s has made her particularly nervous. She needs a safe place to give birth. Now that Zorro has switched sides, Mitch has taken over responsibilities as the Whiskers’ dominant male and is on protection watch. Good thing too, as they spot a group of mysterious meerkats in the distance. The last thing the Whiskers need right now is a scuffle, but with Rocket Dog pregnant, this is no time to back down. They successfully chase off the strangers, and in the process, discover a burrow that could serve as a potential delivery room. Young Axel helps Mitch tidy up the new digs, but when Rocket Dog discovers the local offerings are lacking, she’s forced to keep the family moving to find food.

Back at the Commandos’ stomping grounds, there’s plenty to nosh on, and Nikita isn’t letting any of it go to waste. She could be eating for as many as six pups, as well as herself, so she has the perfect excuse to pig out. Of course, she has other things on her mind as well, including deciding which fellow females may pose a threat to her pregnancy. Right now, Rosie is public enemy No. 1: thanks to her liaison with Duke, she may also be with child, and that makes her a deadly threat. Pregnant female meerkats have been known to kill the dominant female’s pups to move themselves into pole position. Nikita is all too familiar with this fact, as she’s pulled this trick herself.

The Whiskers are facing threats as well, as a Marshall eagle looms overhead and Rocket Dog is without a safe haven to take cover. Her last pregnancy ended in tragedy, when she had to give birth above ground, and she doesn’t want a repeat performance. However, once her contractions have begun, there’s no turning back. Thankfully, it’s a false alarm and the eagle moves on. Rocket Dog, however, is drained and must accept the temporary refuge until morning.

The Commandos are also settling in for evening, all but Rosie, who has wandered to the outskirts of their territory in anticipation of things to come. However, a lone female meerkat in the desert at night doesn’t bode well, so she takes her chances and slinks back to the Commandos’ burrow.

Rosie is the first to rise the next morning, and though she managed to avoid confrontation throughout the night by sleeping in an adjoining tunnel, her luck has run out. Nikita unleashes her pent-up rage, and just like that, Rosie is the first to be evicted – it’s like Big Brother: Kalahari! Too bad Rosie didn’t have the Power of Veto!

Nikita has no intentions of stopping there. One by one, her initial group of 10 females dwindles, even though none of them are likely pregnant or any kind of true threat to Nikita’s status. Why takes chances, though? Zorro realizes it’s best to agree with the Mrs. and joins in on her kicking to the curb party. By the time she’s done, only Samba and Mash remain, and Nikita suddenly realizes she may have been a bit overzealous in her evictions, considering she’s going to need some baby-sitters very soon. It looks like Zorro may need to take on some Mr. Mom duties as well.

Rocket Dog’s demeanor is much calmer, likely eased by the discovery of a new burrow to serve as a lovely nursery. Just in time, too – shortly after, Rocket Dog’s 70-day pregnancy comes to an end with the delivery of two new pups, who are safely nestled underground with the protection of a baby-sitter. Now that she’s successfully given birth, Rocket Dog must make sure to eat so she can provide her young ones with the proper nutrition. It’s been quite the battle during her first year of leadership, but now that she’s officially a mom, things are definitely looking up!

What did you think about tonight’s episode? Will Nikita regret casting out so many of her own? Is Zorro in for more than he bargained for? And will Rocket Dog’s new pups bring her more security and respect? Leave your comments!

Rove, Rove, Rove Your Boat

Episode 5 recap: “The Mark of Zorro”

After a tough winter, the early rains have turned the Kalahari into an Old Country Buffet, but in lieu of mashed potatoes and chicken friend steak, the meerkats comfort food comes by way of millipedes. The feast is key in helping the meerkats to regain their strength, especially the males because in case you hadn't heard, 'tis the season to be roving!

Leading the roving charge is Zorro, Rocket Dog's brother, along with four fellow Whisker males: Miles, Baker, Dizzy, and Duke. Zorro has high aspirations to become a dominant male in the near future, but before he can find a match made in Kalahari heaven, he needs to buff up a bit. Beetles make the perfect body building protein, despite the fact that they have the tendency to spit poison in a predator's eye.

Duke may be the youngest of the roving gang, but he's no less feisty. In fact, he may have bitten off more than he can chew — literally — with his scorpion snack. Meerkats are immune to their sting, but unfortunately, not the snap of a scorpion's claw. Seasoned meerkats know it's best to start with the tail when chomping and work your way to the top.

Meanwhile, rejected Sophie is roving solo and having far less luck in the food department. In the distance, she spots her former family in the midst of their daily foraging expedition, but Sophie knows she's no longer welcome at that dinner table. She's in desperate need of a meerkat in shining armor — former love Wilson perhaps? — but it's highly possible he’s already moved on.

Over at the Commandos burrow, Nikita continues to run a lean and mean operation, despite the fact she's lost half of her male army to the call of the roving wild. Her family now skews heavily female, but Nikita knows how to assert herself, chinning and scent-marking the girls to make it clear who's in charge.

However, Nikita is about to have more on her plate then just managing her own mob. Zorro and his roving posse are lurking in the distance, and their hunger for female attention is stronger than ever. A cautious approach would be wise, but young Duke makes an impulsive, novice move and blows his boys cover. Nikita sounds the alarm, and the chase is on!

Sophie is still having no luck finding a happy meal. About the only thing she's come across are ticks in the grass, which are quickly making their way into her fur. Before she was outcast, one of her family members would have helped groom out the parasites, but now she's left to her own devices. The sight of a lone meerkat in the distance sparks her attention, but it turns out to be adopted brother Axel. He's sympathetic to her plight and offers some temporary relief from the pain of the parasites, and the loneliness.

The next morning, the Commandos awake to discover two potential problems: Zorro and his boys are still nosing about, and circling in the sky above: white-backed vultures. Though these scavengers usually prefer carrion, that doesn't mean they won't try to make meerkats into a tasty feast. Nikita keeps her family close to their headquarters while trying to keep one eye on the sky and one on the rovers.

It's a standoff, and a sudden movement sends panic through the air, but thankfully it's a false alarm. The vultures fly off, and one threat is eliminated. The other however is mobilizing — Zorro takes center position while deploying Myles and Baker to the left, and Duke to the right. Duke spots a single female hiding under a bush. It's Nikita's sister Rosie, and Duke snatches the opportunity to become the first of the rovers to score. They head down into the burrow with the intention of turning it into a tunnel of love, but unfortunately this one also has its fair share of bugs. Not exactly the most ideal ingredient for romance, but they make the best of the situation.

Back above ground, another predator has thrown a wrench in Nikita's protection plan. This time, it's an eagle owl, which swoops in, creating confusion and chaos. Zorro and his boys use the distraction to edge in closer to the ladies, joining the Commandos into the burrow as everyone makes a dash for safety. It's a risky move, but once the owl has moved on, the roving Whisker males emerged unscathed.

They roll the dice again, this time scent-marking the entrances of a burrow that is clearly not theirs. A young Commando pops up to investigate, but he's sadly outnumbered. Zorro leads Miles and Baker down into the enemy lair, right in the path of Nikita who tries to intercept, but is pushed back further into the tunnel. She's wedged in and it appears has just fallen victim to an incredible coup.

When Nikita finally emerges from the burrow, she's surrounded by the stench of the Whiskers rovers, and Zorro even goes so far as to douse the feisty female warrior herself in a foraging hole. By this point, Nikita is putting up little resistance if any, and the two arch enemies now look surprisingly comfortable with each other.

It's been a dramatic day, but before it comes to a close, a late storm transforms the once parched desert into a glistening lake, at least for now. Zorro has certainly made his mark, having gone from rover to full-fledged dominant male. But Nikita has some triumphs of her own to celebrate as well — not only has she just recruited new soldiers but she also now has a partner-in-crime by her side.

What do you think of the pairing of Zorro and Nikita? Will this impact the progress Rocket Dog has made as a leader in her own group, despite the fact that she's pregnant? And will Sophie be able to find her way on her own? Predictions, please!

Baby Mama Drama

Episode 4 recap: “The Family Way”

A storm is brewing over the Kalahari, and the desert sky has a very Tim Burton-esque look and feel. The Whiskers are huddled in their burrow after a less than stellar winter that triggered an unexpected weight-loss plan thanks to bare offerings.

Guess Little Orphan Annie was right, because the sun does indeed come out tomorrow, and with it the revelation of Rocket Dog’s secret – if you guessed hers was of the plus sign on an EPT stick variety, you were right! Not everyone is psyched about this news – namely, Sophie, who may be with child (or actually, children) herself. Iif Rocket Dog perceives her as a threat, Sophie can count on one thing for sure: eviction.

Meanwhile, Seacrest is distracted by a large bird in the sky, but it turns out to be a vulture, which thankfully tends to pass on the meerkat option from the aerial buffet. He gets back to roving around the desert and spies a group in the distance, but this smaller mob smells like meer spirit – familiar meer spirit. It turns out to be none other than sister Maybelline and the Aztecs. It’s not uncommon for male meerkats to jump ship and join new factions, but first they must oust any head male already on the throne. In this case, no coup is necessary because it’s Seacrest’s dad, Zaphod, at the helm, and he’s happy to have the company and the help. The Aztecs are in the middle of a burrow move, after an infestation of fleas in their last home (and I would guess a lack of exterminator options).

The once parched Kalahari is now on the way to renewal again thanks to the storms, and that means better offerings in the meals department. Today’s special is caterpillars, which can be found in surplus under the bark of the camel thorn trees. Digging out these delicacies takes some effort, and Sophie has a momentary lapse of reason in the midst of her foraging, pulling a total squirrel move and climbing a little too high on the tree. She falls and injures her paw, and the others apparently do not subscribe to the philosophy, “Never leave a meerkat behind.” They waste no time in moving on, so Sophie is forced to limp and do her best to follow.

Rocket Dog may be knocked up, but that doesn’t mean she’s not desirable. In fact, another male rover is lurking about, and while she has no use for him, she certainly doesn’t want him looking elsewhere in her mob and causing a ruckus. Solution? Scent-mark the others females so the message rings loud and clear: hands off. Something tells me we won’t be seeing Eau de Meerkat bottled and on sale at Macy’s anytime soon, but regardless, Rocket Dog is certainly demonstrating far more authority than she had before, and it’s working – the others finally seem to be taking her seriously.

Sophie has managed to walk off her injury and catch up to the group, but the others aren’t exactly welcoming her back with open arms. Sophie makes a play for Rocket Dog and manages to win her temporary approval, but flushes that down the toilet as she heads right into the path of the male rover. Sing it with me: “Tempted by the fruit of another! Tempted but the truth is discovered!” Not only does Sophie move in closer to the rover – too close – but she also seems oblivious to the fact that her entire family can see exactly what she’s doing. It’s the straw that breaks the meerkats’ back, and the Whiskers charge the doomed would-be lovers. They try to make their escape to the nearest bolt hole, but the male rover thinks twice and ditches Sophie, leaving her to face the music on her own. The Whiskers give Sophie quite the smackdown and the end result is exile in Kalarahi-ville. It’s an extreme move but one Rocket Dog feels forced to take to protect her status.

Across the desert, Maybelline and her Aztecs have found a potential new home, though it needs a little sprucing up. Thankfully, meerkats have built-in Swiffers of sorts with their paws. Seacrest sounds the alarm bark in the middle of the repairs, but the others can’t get a clear look at the source behind his call, so they let it pass.

Sophie, now outcast, is wandering on her own and the options are bleak. Not only has she been kicked out of the Whiskers, but getting in with the good graces of another group will likely prove to be incredibly difficult as well. For now though, the first task at hand is finding a place to crash for the night – she’ll deal with big-picture plans tomorrow.

Back at the new Aztecs dwelling, the burrow renovations are complete so they’re able to settle in and enjoy a nice meal. The siesta is short lived, as Seacrest sounds the warning call once again. Is he the meerkat who cried wolf? Not this time – it’s Rocket Dog and the Whiskers moving in, and they look like they mean business. Maybelline and the Aztecs are seriously outnumbered, so she’s left with no other option but to high-tail it and run. Rocket Dog has just taken her newfound confidence to a new level – not only has she sent Sophie into exile, but also ousted sister Maybelline from her new home before she even finished unpacking.

What did you think of tonight’s episode? Will Sophie make it in the Kalahari on her own? Is Rocket Dog’s bravado just what the Whiskers need, or do you think it will backfire in the end? And will Maybelline ever be able to set down roots and expand her troops? Share your thoughts and leave a comment!

Let's Get It On

Episode 3 recap: “Rising Stars”

Things kick off at the Whiskers burrow, where Seacrest is the first to awake and explore. Most others his age would have left to become a rover by now, but this 3-year-old is more than content to keep things status quo. Come to think of it, 3 seems a bit young to be allowed to wander around without a curfew. But I’m sure 3 in meerkat years is more like late teens for humans. Speaking of adolescence and angst, over the past few weeks Seacrest has actually started to feel a “change” of sorts; something stirring inside him. Hmm … I can see the book now: Are You There God? It’s Me, Seacrest.

Now that Zaphod has left the burrow to rove on the range, the fate of the Whiskers family is in the hands of his children – but Rocket Dog is still having a hard time getting the others to take her seriously. At least Dad isn’t around to interfere with her love life, but her brother Zorro is certainly throwing his weight around as a temporary commander-in-chief of sorts, thanks to the support of the other males. Whether or not this becomes a permanent position remains to be seen.

Seacrest discovers it’s slim pickings in terms of breakfast options – no Moons Over My Hammy to be seen around here! With the food supply in the area at an all-time low, it’s time to look elsewhere for nourishment, and though Rocket Dog has a hard time motivating the troops at first, eventually they join in on the foraging field trip. Seacrest seems to have found a potential feast, but all his furious digging proves to be futile, while the other Whiskers have moved on farther ahead.

The Whiskers best be careful where they wander – the Commandos territory is less than a mile away, and fearless leader Nikita has made it crystal clear who’s boss. Thanks to their aggressive and intimidating stance, she and the Commandos have managed to carve out a large chunk of land rich with food, and they’ll do whatever it takes to keep it that way.

Apparently the Whiskers neglected to spot the “No Trespassing” signs and have now attracted the attention of the Commandos. It’s Rocket Dog’s worst nightmare, and though her standard tactic is to high-tail it out of Dodge, Zorro has other plans in mind – this could be his opportunity to earn some stripes. But when push comes to shove and the Whiskers attack, it’s Seacrest leading the charge. At first it seems like both sides are evenly matched, but then Zorro suddenly pulls the emergency brake, perhaps realizing they have bitten off more than they can chew. Unfortunately, eager Seacrest has gotten way ahead of his pack, and now he’s flying solo against impossible odds – 25 to 1.

The Commandos spare Seacrest’s life, leaving him a bit roughed up but no worse for wear, though now for the first time, he’s on his own. Nothing like a little comfort food to take your mind off your troubles – I’m partial to macaroni and cheese, but for Seacrest, all it takes is a tasty millipede.

After he recharges, Seacrest sets off to try and track down his mob, while in the meantime enjoying his taste of rover-dom. He spies a group of meerkats in the distance, including some lovely ladies, and moves in for a closer look. Surely he must feel a sense of meerkat déjà vu, because as it turns out, these ladies belong to the same group that only hours ago tried to pummel him – the Commandos!

Nikita spots him and decides to take matters into her own hands. But when dusk begins to settle in and she has yet to reappear, the Commandos wonder what could be keeping their leader at bay. Nothing to worry about, Nikita is just busy teaching Seacrest a lesson or two … in the bedroom!

It should come as no surprise that Nikita is less of a cuddler and more of a love ‘em and leave ‘em kind of meerkat. She heads back down into the burrow to settle in for the night with her fellow Commandos. Perhaps it’s a surge of bravado on the heels of their recent romp, but brave (and somewhat naive?) Seacrest decides to follow her – and lives to see the morning. With this kind of luck, I need to take Seacrest to the roulette table with me!

Sleeping with the enemy has proved successful for Seacrest, but before he heads on his merry way, Nikita wants one more romp for the road. This, of course, has nothing to do with emotions – it’s all business. Another go means another chance for her to get pregnant and bear pups to further ensure her status, because let’s be honest – Nikita’s favorite position? AUTHORITY!

Back at the Whiskers, Rocket Dog is still in desperate need of a leadership training seminar as she finds her chances at connecting with a mate dwindling once again thanks to Zorro and the other males shooing away a party of rovers. But apparently Rocket Dog has a little secret of her own – one that may be the key to finally turning things around to her benefit.

What did you think of tonight’s episode? Who will be the first female to win the pregnancy race? And what’s the big secret?

Twisted Sisters

Episode 2 recap: “All Manor of Love”

For splintered sisters Rocket Dog and Maybelline, it's a race to see who can find a mate first to help secure their respective family's futures. But with a shortage of men around the Kalahari, this is easier said than done. I mean, really, someone would be wise to develop some sort of eHarmony for meerkats or something — surely this would make the entire process much easier!

Maybelline is really in dire straits, as her posse of Aztecs now stands just seven strong, so it's even more important for her to find a partner who can give her pups. Little Murray begs to be noticed, but let's be honest — is anyone who is referred to as "little" really a contender for a dominant female meerkat? I think we all know the answer to that question, though props to Murray for ousting a mongoose to secure his family a new home.

Meanwhile, separation from Whiskers has turned Zaphod into somewhat of a nightmare bachelor — you know, the kind who leaves half-empty pizza boxes and Chinese food take-out containers lying around, and probably hasn't scrubbed their bathroom since the Reagan administration. In this case, Zaphod is sharing his pad with some fellow rovers and it's become a filthy flea pit. As one might guess, ticks are not the way to woo a lady.

Back at the Aztecs, Mr. White Sheep of the Commandos, Wilson, is eyeballing the ladies. His last paramour was Mozart, until she fell victim to a jackal. Now he's back on the market, and so is Maybelline — could this be a love connection at long last? Wilson makes his move, but sadly not his mark, at least not right away. However, he wastes no time in approaching her sister Angie. Maybelline, of course, is having none of that and makes it clear that this man is hers. Wilson quickly comes to his senses. Angie, Schmangie: pups with a dominant female like Maybelline could bring him prominence and power.

While Wilson seems to finally be making some headway, Zaphod is not faring as well, until he spots a small group in the distance that may provide him with a chance to make his genetic mark. He knows his boys will back him up, but first he needs to ensure they can take on the males in the other group. The playing field seems even, so Zaphod's roving coalition moves in for the coup. But wait — what's that scent? Why does this all seem so fa...mil...i...ar ... oh dear. Zaphod has just stormed his own daughter's mob — and in doing so, he also just put the kibosh on Wilson's budding romance with Maybelline. "Hi Dad ... we were just ... watching TV ..." — awkward! Wilson high-tails it out of there, putting him back to square one, though he may have already left Maybelline with a parting gift, so to speak. Only time will tell.

At the Whiskers burrow, Rocket Dog has gotten rid of her dad, but she's got other threats cramping her style: namely, younger sisters Hawkeye and Sophie, who could potentially attract a mate first. Rocket Dog realizes it's vital for her to bear pups ASAP, or her status as leader could be MIA.

After a busy morning of foraging, most of the Whiskers are taking a break, which could be why Mitch fails to spot a mystery meerkat making his way toward the group. The man in question is none other than Wilson, who eyes Sophie across the way, all on her lonesome.

Following the rendezvous, Sophie makes the mistake of trying to sneak back to her group with Wilson still at her side, so the entire family immediately knows what she's likely been up to. Defiant Sophie gets a bit of a slap in the face from Rocket Dog, whose worst fears might have just come true. If Sophie gets pregnant before Rocket Dog, that slap is going to be only the beginning of her problems!

My, my, my — could it be that Maybelline is not Rocket Dog's biggest threat? Will little sister Sophie be the first to produce pups and potentially take over the reigns? What do you think will happen? Leave me a comment with your best prediction!