Hi, Friends,
Just go back from KMP and wanted to share a few things with all of you.
This was an experience that I believe everybody ought to have if they love meerkats.
The KMP people are GREAT. They truly love the meerkats and it was heartfelt.
They are good people and love anybody who loves meerkats. They are also defensive of the meerkats! It's so nice to see.
The TB that they are acquiring is not from humans. I had a very long talk with the vet. So, it is indeed occuring naturally and he will be finding out all the details as time progresses.
I've also talked to the cameramen who ALSO LOVE THE MEERKATS!! They talk about the meerkats as if they were humans and know what everyone of them are up to. They get a glow in their eyes when they talk about them. It's so sweet. So, sometimes, we must understand that what we see on Meerkat Manor is just to make a story line.
It is my personal opinion that KMP is saving the meerkats lives and promoting awareness of these little angels. Many parts of Africa consider them to be pests. So, as I see it, KMP is saving lives.
Meerkat Manor supports KMP. Without their financial support, KMP may not be able to help the meerkats as they do. The Kuruman River Reserve is HUGE and there are a lot of expenses. Can't even begin to imagine what the costs are to keep this project going but, it has got to be astronomical. So, nobody there is "rolling in the dough". KMP puts the money right back into supporting the project (ie: ultimately, the meerkats). With that in mind, I will ALWAYS watch Meerkat Manor because I know that my support of the program helps to support the meerkats.
I give Rob (the Project Manager) and Dave (Assistant Project Manager) a lot of credit for fostering the love and concern (shared by ALL) of the meerkats.
I sure wish that all of you could go there and see what I am talking about. My team was great, the entire KMP staff was great, and the cameramen were great: it was an experience of a lifetime.
Athena

Athena, welcome back and thank you for the info. It is GREAT to know that the people in direct contact care about the meerkats as we do. I have wondered if seeing first hand what we see on tv bothers the camera crew. It makes it easier to deal with knowing if they could have done something, they would have. Again, thanks and welcome back.

Athena, I'm so happy to see your post. It's great to know that those in the project love the meerkats as much as all of us.

athena -

Welcome back. Oh, that must have been a wonderful experience! <<<jealous>>>

How close did you ever get to the creatures? Did you ever get near one of those that we love?

Athena, I couldn't be happier to see you back here. I missed you, and you missed the chaos that started Friday when the forum recieved tons of posts from new users posting their condolences to Flower (see the "Memorial" forum threads). Most were heartfelt, but we also got our share of trolls. Many users are requesting that AP have researchers answer questions on this forum, so it's such a postive thing to have you back. I think you're just what we need right now.

Welcome back, glad you have brought a positive feeling about the KMP. I was beginning to crumble in my regard for them. Hope to read many posts and see plenty of pictures...mostly you know who....Fluffer.

Athena,

We all missed you,but so glad you had a great time. I wish I could have been there with you to see those darlin angels that I love so much.

Eruth

ATHENA!!!!! *BIG HUGS* YAY!!!!!! YOU BACK!! IM SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
HAPPY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

Athena... I'm new to the board. I can't believe there can be such interaction with meerkats. Did you get to touch them and what did you get to do while you were there? This sounds like the most amazing experience EVER!!!!!

Welcome back! I'm SO jealous! And I can't wait to hear more about your experience and see some pictures!

I'm also VERY happy to hear that about about the KMP people and the AP people!

Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!

Welcome back to the burrow! Sounds like the trip was well worth it. It is good to hear from someone we "know" from the forum who actually went to see the fuzzies in their natural habitat. Did you see Flower's grave? They say that there is even a marker, probably a first for an animal many consider pests! MEERKATS RULE!!!

Athena dear, I was just thinking you'd be coming home soon! I'm looking forward to photos. I'm so glad you had a good time, I wish I were adventurous enough to do what you've done! (((Cuddles!))) Love you! Mumsy

hello,

wow im new so dont no you but im so jelous!!

it sounds great !!

Im jumping around the room screaming ATHENA'S BACK!!!

Athena! So glad to know you are back safe and sound. When your jet lag is over,please write a full trip report for all of us to read. Pictures, too. We want to feel as if we were there, too!

And......did you climb fences? Also,as Cheryl said, did you see Flower's grave? I hope they really did bury her as they said.

KariKate

Athena...Can I say welcome back even though I am not-even a two-month newbie? Your words were so needed right now, with Flower's episode having just aired in the US. Hearing about all the meerkat love brought tears to my eyes. We know you are tired, but please.....tell us more!

Great to hear about your trip. I think we all need a better perspective right now on all things meerkat. Feel free to share more details!

Athena, thank you so much for posting this wonderful information.

athena - when your life calms down, you will have to be filled in on what these boards have been like since last Friday, the airing of Flower's death.
Angry, paranoid conspiracies were everywhere, it was very distressing for those of us who didn't believe that KMP or AP murdered Flower (honest to god, alot of people believe this).
It is nice to know that KMP and the cameramen made good impressions on you.

WELCOME BACK ATHENA!!!!!!!!!

So glad you had such a wonderful time. Can't wait to hear more about it! It's very encouraging to learn that they are working on the TB problem. Hopefully this time next year (or in early '09) I'll be making the same journey.

Athena, welcome back. So glad your trip was a roaring success. Can't wait for pictures. And thank you for the re-affirmation about the project team's and camera crew's concern and affection for all the meerkats.

I was new before you left...welcome back glad to read such positive statements about the AP and the KMP. Like the others, can't wait for pictures or a diary.

Did you meet Professor Clutton-Brock?

Hi again, Friends,
Thank you so much for your warm welcomes.
I'm really tired right now so, please forgive me for not answering your questions today. I promise that I will answer some of them tomorrow.
Give me a week for pictures as my team mates will be sending me some really GREAT ones with names of the meerkats (so I don't get confused).
I didn't see the Flower episode so, someone will have to fill me in. But I do know for a FACTthat she was NOT murdered and KMP didn't let her just die! KMP loved her very very much and the truth about her death is heart touching.
Unfortunately, it's not fair to give away information about the show. I am now a firm believer that if the show loses ratings, KMP loses the desperately needed fundings for the meerkats.
So, PLEASE just trust me when I tell you that Flower was treated humanely and with a lot of love.
And I'll answer your questions starting tomorrow.
I'm going to sleep now!
Athena

Night Athena!!!! LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for the info Athena and welcome back. Can't wait to see the pics...

Hi Athena: I'm a newbie othe