Wildlife on One (1977 - 2005): Meerkats United
(1987)
A highly entertaining production, Meerkats United journeys deep into the Kalahari desert to explore the social life of the meerkat.
Voted the best wildlife documentary of all time by BBC viewers, this often repeated wildlife documentary reveals youngsters play fighting, long-time couples squabbling and frequent, sometimes violent, encounters between rival gangs.
Taking advantage of a long-standing Oxford University study into these highly social desert mammals, captivating cinematography from the BBC’s world-famous Natural History Unit places these charismatic, resourceful creatures right at the centre of the piece. Clubbing together, they harass snakes, scorpions and jackals, seemingly oblivious to their diminutive stature, whilst lookouts scan the perimeter for predators and guards cautiously exchange places in a well-rehearsed routine.
Diverting and absorbing, Meerkats United proved to be a hugely popular piece of wildlife filmmaking, providing an enjoyable insight into the soap opera life of these endearing creatures. Meerkats United won the 1988 Wildscreen Festival Special award.
