classy move by fkmp to offer the chance for free memberships for children (under 17). although, i'm a little too old to qualify, i applaud the idea. i'm an adult and i could pay for a membership but i haven't yet (i still may at some point though). i had a bit of a philosophical problem with the original launch of the fkmp (pay) program for several reasons. central among these reasons was that any organization that promotes wildlife conservation should not charge people to learn more about wildlife. we need all the people on our side that we can get without saying "you don't have enough money to care". now having said that, any adult (like myself) that can afford a computer and the internet can afford at least a $50 membership. i've elaborated quite a bit, but my general point is....... props to fkmp for offering this opportunity for young meerkat enthusiasts, and good luck to all on this forum that enter the contests.

Nazarethdodo, the money will go to helping students with their studies, from what I understand. It is not for profit, but to allow research to continue. That is the reason I don't have a problem with it. The normal LH info is still free to those who can't afford or don't want a membership. I think if they shut down the free stuff and made membership for info mandatory, then you could say they aren't encouraging support, but there's more info there now than before FKMP launched.

I think we are all (members and non-members) benefitting from the launch of the friends program.

could you give me a link pleaze?

oh yeah,and heres a cute pic!


http://friends.kalahari-meerkats.com/index.php?eID=tx_cms_showpic&file=uploads%2Fpics%2Fsanta-kat.jpg&width=800m&height=600m&bodyTag=%3Cbody%20bgcolor%3D%22black%22%3E&wrap=%3Ca%20href%3D%22javascript%3Aclose%28%29%3B%22%3E%20%7C%20%3C%2Fa%3E&md5=6298f9b686697a8d7f3f7a913596afc7

srry for making the thread like that

lmao!!!!!!!!!!! did you type that link in manually? also, jtutton, i wasn't trashtalking the fkmp, i love the reports, and i may at some point get a membership. anyhow i was just saying it kind of sends mixed messages to our youth and it is nice that they are giving a chance for kids to win memberships.

I'm very happy to support the KMP, even if it's just in a small way. They work hard and do a good job in tough desert conditions.
I'm glad some pups can win memberships. Way way back when I was a pup my family could nver have afforded to get me even a single group membership, unless it was the one and only present I got at Christmas.

I so agree NazarethDoDo. There are so many meerkat lovin' pups on AP it is good to see them being giving the opportunity to win a membership. They are great at researching and interpreting all of the LH reports. I almost don't have to read them any more. I just wait for them to post!

Just let them know why you love and admire meers ! Which should be very easy to do. Gosh I would, but the next time I see 17 it will be 117!

I hear,(i know Blossomthemeerkat,but not very good)that she's gonna ask her mother about trying to get one.