Meerkat Adoption in Morongo

September 1, 11:25 AMSan Diego Spirituality ExaminerRobert Reese

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After making a donation online to the Fellow Earthlings Center, I promptly received my
Meerkat Adoption Portfolio, which contained a cute Adoption Certificate that said my
donation would help defray the cost of caring for one Meerkat for one year.

Their facility has no paid staff. Contributions to the Fellow Earthlings' Wildlife Center come with a
promise that 100% of each donation goes directly to the animals or to projects benefiting
the Meerkats. They are a government authorized 501(C)3 non-profit organization, so
donations are fully tax deductible.

So, how are donations spent? Priorities include:

The continual upkeep, improvement, and expansion of the enclosures,
The highest quality diets for the animals,
Veterinary services that specialize in caring for Meerkats,
Toys and activities that provide physical and mental stimulation.

Daily Meerkat needs also include their favorite treats, wax worms--or "Meerkat caviar".
Yum.

I came to the section on scheduling visits, which includes directions to the Center,
mandatory clothing, etc. Then, "please select several dates that are convenient for you to
visit and give us that information by email (preferably) or by telephone. We are open, by
appointment, to our adoptive parents on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, March through
November. We book visits very far in advance. Although at times we may have "last
minute" openings available, please note that due to the private, exclusive nature of our
visits, we are currently booking as much as one year in advance".

I have to wait a year--or more--to meet the Meerkats? Holy cow. I'm really thrilled to hear
the Center is so successful, but a bit frustrated at the idea of waiting 365 days
to meet the Meerkats. Realizing I would have to accept this reality and there was nothing I
could do to speed things up, I got online and emailed the center requesting I be booked
for the first available opening and to please add me to their "last minute" waiting list.
Meeting the Meerkats face to face was definitely worth the wait, I thought as I hung my
adoption certificate on the fridge.

Here is the "Meerkat Motto", which I found in the Fellow Earthlings brochure:

Respect the Elders, Teach the Young, Cooperate with the Family,
Play when you can, Work when you should, Rest in between.
Share your Affection, Voice your Feelings, Leave your Mark.

www.FellowEarthlings.org
info@FellowEarthlings.org    Phone: 760-363-1344

Photos Courtesy of Roberta Stacy and Fellow Earthings Center