In the wild, showing one’s teeth, even though it may be a smile, is a sign of aggression. However, when Simon King smiles, the Meerkats do not seem to mind. One day the Meerkats were having family playtime, and Arnie, the baby, came close to Simon and digs in the dirt. Arnie loves to play, and Simon values participating in it. It is so cute that it makes your heart melt.
Simon has been with this family for a while to study and to make a series about them. When Arnie sits on Simon’s back, the other family members, like Digger and Momma, feel safe and approach him. He is thoroughly investigated by an adult who decides he is ok. Mr. King is careful not to show affection so as not to confuse the Meerkat family.
Arnie had been injured, and Simon has been keeping track of how it is healing, so when Arnie comes close, it gives Simon a chance to take a peek to ensure all is well. As luck would have it, Meerkats are social creatures that are curious and love to investigate. Simon is lucky because he gets to experience Meerkat love, but it has to be unrequited so as not to scare them.
It is not common knowledge that Meerkats are intelligent, curious, and sweet creatures with outstanding family bonds. They will thoroughly investigate before trust is given because it has to be earned. Simon is fortunate to have passed Arnie’s test, and he has the strength to respect them as wild animals and refrain from treating them like pets.
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