I was so shocked, I just can't believe it. My heart is broken. Here she spared little Axle's life and her's was taken. I don't know how I'll be able to watch. I'm 40 years old and I cried like a baby.
We, my husband and I sat and cried out eyes out together wishing we could have saved our very beloved Flower. We have a void in our hearts as we truly have grown very attached to our Mercat family. As I write, I cry through mournfoul tears. My condolences to those who share up close and personal contact with these funny, lovable characters. Give my best to Mitch and give him a big kiss when you can. He hears the pups cry, and he acts. What a wonderful guy he is. Axel is a lucky little guy and blessed is our Flower for saving him. Why is nature always so cruel. The things we love the most, hurt so deeply in our souls. I guess the saying no good deed goes unpunished. We charish and will miss our Flower for many years to come. What a heck of a mom and leader. We love you Flower! (I can't even see the screen for the tears).
I am still shook up and crying today. Even time I think of Flower--which is just about all the time at present--I want to remember her as she was. Full of life, courage, loving, faithful, beautiful little creature. But right now i just cant get that imagine out of my head. I hope many weeks/months/years from now, I will be able to think about her and not see that image. The thing I keep telling myself over and over.....she is no longer in pain or suffering and she never will be again.
Thank you to everyone involve in this show. It has touched our hearts as few things in life do! It is the only program on TV that my family will actually change plans for - to ensure we will be watching!! I know the loss of Flower was more difficult for you than we can possibly imagine. These little animals have become very dear to many of us! The Stevenson family in Colorado wishes you all our heartfelt condolences!!
I will hold you in my heart my dear Flower and will watch your family continue to grow. I pray for the Whiskers and yet know they are a strong group because of you and the nurturing you gave them and how you taught them to be survivors. I only hope Rockettdog will find the strength to follow in her mothers footsteps and pick up where you left off. I hope little Axle will continue to remain at the Whiskers burrow and be accepted by the family since Flowers life was cut short trying to protect you from harm. I miss you little princess and light of the dessert.
Dear Flower, I will miss you. I will forever keep your memory in my heart. You were the most dedicated and valiant of mothers. May your legacy live on forever in your big family.
Rebecca - FLORIDA RIP Flower I will continue to watch forever, as I am dying to see the little rose bud you left behind bloom into the Beautiful rose you were. I ♥ Flower
I arrived home very tired from work and remembered Meerkat Manors show I got into bed prepared to fall asleep by watching this show... I didnt realize what was happening I almost choked with surprise what is happening on Sept 28th. It was my birthday and I turned 45. I needed to get up early the next day for work I didnt count on the tragedy of Flower. I didnt realize how attached Today is Oct 1 and I am still crying. I had to have some "support" cuz it was so hard on me I thought of coming to animalplanet.com hoping to find some support and here I am. I even register! I felt so silly for crying my eyes out continually. No one would understand what I am feeling and felt ashamed to tell anyone who doesnt watch Meerkat Manors. I am glad I am not alone. I miss you flower and not quite accepting Flower's death yet. ::crying:: love you flower Soul
Alway leading from the front, always brave and always strong. At 30+ strong your Legacy is in place, with offspring like Mitch,Shakespeare, KinkaJu, Rocket Dog, Mozart and Tosca it will be felt for years to come. My best wish's to the researchers and volunteer's during this difficult time of heavy hearts.
I fell in love with meerkats in the 1980s, when The Smithsonian had them on an iconic cover. Such intelligent little creatures, and so open and loving with each other! My late husband was a world-renown mammalogist and taught me a lot about the species. I was thrilled when AP began the series (and chose one of my favorite LOTR actors--Sean Astin--to narrate) and have watched every episode.
The Queen of the Kalamari was my favorite meerkat, along with her brave son Shakespeare. She was a wise and fearless leader to her 40-strong tribe, with a loving and attentive mate in Zaphod and many strong daughters who might take over as dominant. But Flower will always be number one with viewers, I believe, because she made us examine our own lives. How many human parents abuse their children instead of doing all they can, including risking their lives, to make the lives of their children better? We humans should hang our heads in shame to be shown such love and tireless giving as Flower did for her offspring. How ironic that Flower would save the Zappas' pup Axel and lose her life a few minutes later trying to save her own pups.
I'm grateful to Cambridge University for creating the institute and this series, and for taking care of Flower's remains. I was shocked at the pain she suffered, but nature is nature. Many have criticized the crew for not driving off the snake, but they may have assumed that the snake would get the pups, as other predators have been shown to in the series. How would they know that Flower would charge down the burrow and get bitten? I'm sure they were shocked also with the outcome.
Rest in peace, little flower of the Kalamari. You are loved and remembered by all who saw your courage and determination. There must be an animal heaven, and you will watch over your family always. Thank you sunshine (Jane) for starting this overwhelming string. I hope thousands respond to Flower's passing.
I didn't think I could cry so much, I've cried all weekend and now as I write this. She was the noblest creature, she was the show. She was missing from so much of the show this year and I kept missing her it isn't the same without her. I'd like to buy a star and name it after her so that she could look down on all of us from heaven. I know she is at peace but I so wish she was still here. At least part of her lives on in Mitch who has greatness in him. Please be at peace and happy little one. Sally
You have... Touched my heart Embraced my soul Filled me with hope Made my life whole
Seeing your journey and sharing your legacy has opened my eyes. I am amazed at how much a 12" furball has impacted my life, inspired me with awe, humbled me with respect.
My heart is hallow, missing you so, yet my soul is lifted, knowing you so.
Flower, I will miss you always but remember you forever.
We will all miss you deeply. Your legency lives on in your children, grandchildren and even the Three Amigos. You inspire us to make the lives of meerkats in captivity better and we will continue to do in your name.
I'm a new member to the board today. Have been watching MM since day 1. I'm a 35yo married male who never dreamt I'd shed so many tears over a 12" fury little critter that lived thousands of miles from me. Flower is much closer now--in my heart forever. God Bless you little Flower. Thanks for everything you taught us.
I was hurt and a little lost after Shakespeare left--not knowing whatever became of him. Now I am deeply saddened over the loss of Flower.
Again, knowing the pain I feel over the distance that we are away, I cannot imagine what the crew, researchers, and everyone at AP is feeling right now. May God bless and hold everyone of them in this time.
I was crying so hard Friday night that I could barely find the computer let alone get logged on. Since I live in Alaska, access to the producers' comments was no longer available. And I was not able to get on this forum. The same with Saturday. I don't know why Flower means so much to me but she's all I thought about over the weekend. Even though I had a strong suspicion based on the ads last week that Flower was going to die, I kept praying during the show that it wasn't going to be her. What an incredible tribute to a 12" being this forum is, and to the wonderful crew that brought to us all. Her strength and wisdom have been inspirational to me and I give such huge thanks to her whereever she is for touching my life so deeply.
Flower I hope your soul is at peace, and you are in a truly wonderful place. I have never cried so hard over something like this before. I too feel as though something is missing. My condolences to the humans who were close enough to observe Flower in person. Eventhough she was a small animal she had a big personality, and it must have been so very hard for those closest to see her suffer.
Rest in Peace Flower. My children and I, are deeply saddened by your loss. I will continue to watch your children carry on life, the way you so bravely taught them to! I'm saddened you had to suffer so horribly. I just wish it had been easier, but life isn't always easy. Good-bye little one! You are sorely missed! Winchester, TN
We will greatly miss our beloved Flower! Even though I am still very teary, I feel especially sorry for the film crew who had to record these tragic events. They must be devasted. It was nice to know that they buried Flower in her Whiskers family territory. Her memory lives on in all her offspring. We will continue to watch them as they face life and death in the desert.
I too was taken by surprise and so broken hearted over the loss of Flower. Her legacy will live on. I am very glad to have had the opportunity to get to know her and all of the Meerkats for that matter. Thank you Animal Planet.
Still very much heartbroken in Murphy, Texas. Flower, we'll miss you and hope whatever lessons learned from your life will help all other meerkats to survive and enrich future generations.
Wow, how completely surprised and saddened I was this morning as I watched my tivo'd show. My 1 1/2 year son was watching me in wonder as I cried and cried. Goodbye Flower.
