Episode Length: approx. 30 minutes
Network: The Animal Planet
Premiere Date: Friday, June 9, 2006 at 8 PM (ET/PT)
The dramatic social life of a Meerkat “mob” is revealed in this 13-part series on The Animal Planet. Like any family, love, squabbling, self-sacrifice and rivalry are found as a group of meerkats struggles to survive in Africa's Kalahari Desert. The fascinating documentary is described as "All My Children meets Wild Kingdom," but children will recognize meerkats from the popular movie The Lion King.
Children fell in love with Timon, the famous Meerkat who became the star in The Lion King 1 1/2. Don't let their cuddly appearance fool you though, according to Animal Planet, there's a good reason these meerkat families are called a “mob.” From family squabbles to love affairs to backstabbing worthy of a Shakespearean tale, these fuzzy reality-TV stars pack a huge dramatic punch.
Narrated by Sean Astin of “Lord of the Rings” and “24”, Meerkat Manor was filmed over the course of a 10-year Cambridge University study. Cameras recording their every move documented the personality packed family known as the Whiskers, and viewers will be surprised at the family dynamics that go on - unknown to most of us humans- in the exciting world of meerkats.
