Watch Mutual Of Omaha's Wild Kingdom
- 2002
- 25 Seasons
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8.5 (489)
From 1963 to 1988, Marlin Perkins hosted a television show that would become an icon in the nature-documentary genre, Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom. Airing on Animal Planet, Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom brought the excitement of the wild to viewers all over the world, showcasing exotic animals in their natural habitats while providing educational facts about their behavior, lifestyle, and survival strategies. A true pioneer in its time, the show was the first of its kind to use remote cameras, providing viewers with never-before-seen footage of wild animals in their natural habitats.
Marlin Perkins, the show's host, was a zoologist and former director of the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, Illinois. He was passionate about wildlife conservation, and his dedication to the cause was evident in every episode of Wild Kingdom. Perkins took viewers on a journey around the world, showcasing the incredible diversity of wildlife on our planet. From the savannas of Africa to the jungles of South America, viewers watched as Marlin interacted with some of the world's most incredible animals.
Throughout the show's 25-year run, Perkins was accompanied by Jim Fowler, his co-host, who would later take over the show after Perkins' retirement in 1985. Together, the two would brave danger to get up close and personal with the animals they were studying, whether it be tracking lions on the African savannas or wading through crocodile-infested waters to study the reptiles' behavior in the wild.
Aside from bringing the excitement of the wild to living rooms across the globe, Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom was also an important resource for animal conservation. Each episode was dedicated to promoting a deeper understanding of the animals featured on the show and their role in their respective ecosystems. Perkins and Fowler were both dedicated to educating viewers about the dangers facing wildlife around the world, such as habitat destruction and poaching, and how they could help to protect these animals and their habitats.
Despite being recorded more than 50 years ago, Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom remains an important and influential show to this day. The show can be seen as a precursor to the modern-day nature documentary, with its groundbreaking use of remote cameras and focus on animal behavior and conservation. Moreover, the show's legacy carries on in Animal Planet's current lineup, as it continues to broadcast fascinating, educational programming that inspires viewers to better understand the natural world.
Overall, Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom was an incredible showcase of the beauty and diversity of the natural world. From thrilling animal encounters to thought-provoking discussions on conservation efforts, the show was truly ahead of its time in terms of wildlife-focused programming. Perkins and Fowler's shared enthusiasm and devotion to animal conservation was contagious, inspiring viewers to better understand and appreciate the amazing creatures with which we share our planet.