America’s Next Top Model 4, Episode 9: Zoobilee Zoo!

Previously, after the death of a friend, Kahlen had to face her fears in a graveyard photo shoot. She was able to channel her emotions though, and came out with a fierce photo. Christina struggled with looking “lusty,” but it was Tatiana who was lacking the poise to become America’s Next Top Model and was sent home. Only six girls are left. Who is going home tonight?

Brittany and Christina talk about the last elimination. Michelle comes over to join them, and says that she thought she was going home. She says now she will step it up across the board so that she is not the next to go home. Tyra mail arrives and asks the girls, “Are you born to be wild?” Keenyah says that with only six girls left, everyone is stepping it up, but she wants it the most.

In the morning, the girls head out and Keenyah is scarfing down a donut. She admits that she loves carbs, but they are her enemy too. Brittany tells the camera that Keenyah has easily put on 10 pounds since they have been there, and she can snack like no other. The girls arrive and meet Ms. J. Alexander. He tells them that today they will learn from animals how to pose, and it will be part of their challenge. Christina is nervous about the animals, and says if any of them look at her funny, she is running. The gentleman with Ms. J. tells the girls never to run if an animal approaches them, dashing Christina’s plans.

First, the girls meet a leopard, and then a tiger. Even Ms. J. looks a little scared. Finally, the girls meet Bam Bam, a bear. Ms. J. says that he looks like his ex, with all the slobbering he’s doing. Naima is trying to figure out the animals and how to imitate them. Kahlen doesn’t care for the bear and he’s grossing her out. All the girls feed the bear marshmallows from their mouths – even Kahlen! She says that she wants to go home and brush her teeth.

Ms. J. tells the girls to pose like a leopard, and Naima says it’s dirty on the ground from the rain, but she gives it her all. The girls do the movements as well, and then do the tiger and the bear. Keenyah says she tried not to be so literal with the poses like Brittany was. Ms. J. says that the winner deserves it and it’s Brittany, since she even conveyed the faces. Hmm, looks like Keenyah should have taken it literally as well! Brittany is happy that if she goes home, at least she won a challenge. She’s allowed to pick two friends, and she goes with Keenyah and Christina.

Ms. J. says it’s time for them to meet the fiercest animal of all, and in comes Tyra! Tyra tells the girls that for her first runway show, she was told to act like a cat, and really did – frightening the designer. She informs the girls that for their next shoot, they will have models with them, and in come the mountain lions. However, Tyra isn’t feeling all this with the rain and all, so she tells the girls that they will have to do the shoot… in Africa! South Africa to be exact! Everyone is cheering as the girls only have two hours to get ready.

The girls get back and start packing and Brittany says that she is bringing everything. Keenyah says that anything can happen from here, and off they go and in they come. That was quick! The girls arrive and are shocked at how nice it is. Michelle is trying to connect with the other girls, and thinks she is a minor part in the group, unlike Keenyah and Brittany who dominate all conversations. She feels like they joke on her too much and make fun of everything she says. Christina says that they have no clue where they are going, as we see the girls arrive on a reserve. Tyra comes walking in to greet them, and tells them that fashion week is huge in South Africa. She fills them in on all the fashion-goings-on in South Africa, and Michelle can’t believe it. C’mon, Michelle. She’s acting like South Africa is this poverty-stricken nation.

All the girls start dancing with the natives and Tyra slips out. Kahlen is nervous but gets involved. When the dancing is done, they are told that it’s time for a safari. All the girls hit the desert and see a hippo. Kahlen says it weighs as much as Keenyah! Me-ow! Keenyah takes it in stride and says that Yoanna had weight issues, but she still won. Yeah, Yoanna also threw up her breakfast and dinner, and skipped lunch. You don’t seem to be doing all that!

The girls see giraffes, and Brittany wants to see some action. Michelle says that they are going to see the lions next, and are told not to make a sound or any sudden movements. She immediately says everyone looked at Brittany. They pull up to the lions and sure enough Brittany makes a sound. The lions approach their jeep and even though they honk the horns, that doesn’t stop them. Brittany doesn’t seem to get worried, as the jeep speeds off and gets out of the safari. That could have turned ugly!