WILD KINGDOM HISTORY
For millions of Americans, hearing Marlin Perkins say, “Welcome to Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom,” was a mainstay of their Sunday night routine. The beloved series pioneered the wildlife television genre, taking viewers to the far corners of the world to see animals in their natural habitats.
Learn how Wild Kingdom has evolved over 60 years, from the classic series to Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild and all the adventures in between.
1962
Zoologist Marlin Perkins travels to Omaha, Nebraska, for a speaking engagement. There, he speaks with Mutual of Omaha CEO V.J. Skutt, about an idea for a new television series that would later become Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom.
1963
Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom debuts on NBC, drawing an average of 34 million U.S. viewers. Co‑Hosts Marlin Perkins and Jim Fowler set a new standard for the wildlife genre.
Explore early highlights from Marlin Perkins’ top moments and Jim Fowler’s top moments.
1964
Marlin Perkins receives the first annual National Conservation Achievement Award in Communications from the National Wildlife Federation, honoring his work with Wild Kingdom.
Learn more about Wild Kingdom's work with the National Wildlife Federation on the collaborators page.
1968
The episode “Giants of Dadanawa” airs, bringing one of the series’ most iconic moments — Marlin Perkins wrestling an anaconda.
1969
Wild Kingdom wins its first Emmy® Award.
1971
Wild Kingdom enters syndication, broadcasting episodes on multiple networks to bring in a wider audience.
1982
The National PTA gives its first endorsement of a television program to Wild Kingdom.
1985
Marlin Perkins retires. Jim Fowler continues to host new episodes of the show, now alongside new co-host, Peter Gros.
Article: Meet Peter Gros.
1987
Mutual of Omaha’s Spirit of Adventure, featuring Jim Fowler and Peter Gros, begins a two-year run on ABC.
1991
Wild Kingdom cosponsors the “Concerts of Yellowstone” series, featuring Chip Davis and Mannheim Steamroller. A portion of the proceeds goes to the National Park Service to restore Yellowstone National Park after a fire.
1992
Mutual of Omaha’s Wildlife Heritage Center launches.
The center awarded cash grants, scholarships and special citations to individuals and organizations involved in wildlife preservation.
1993
Jim Fowler goes on his “Wildest Places on Earth” book tour in conjunction with Time Life Books.
Article: Get to know Jim Fowler.
1995
Wild Kingdom airs on PBS with updated introductions and episode recaps by Jim Fowler and Peter Gros.
2001
Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Kids’ Summit launches to challenge kids to think creatively about the natural world. In a nationwide contest, kids are asked to brainstorm ideas to help save threatened and endangered species. Winners from each state attend the summit each year through 2005.
Article: 7 Ways Kids Can Experience Wildlife
2002
Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom returns to television with a series on Animal Planet. The series is a mainstay of Animal Planet’s Sunday night programming through 2011.
2005
Wild Kingdom Adventure Tour brings a unique, interactive mobile experience to fairs and festivals throughout the country, sharing the love of wildlife with all generations.
2010s
Wild Kingdom Co-Host Peter Gros continues public appearances in support of conservation education.
2013
Mutual of Omaha launches a nationwide Wild Guide Contest as part of Wild Kingdom’s 50th anniversary.
2014
Mutual of Omaha launches a Wild Kingdom web series with 62 “Fast Facts,” 50 webisodes, 28 “Field Notes” and four “5 Facts.”
2021
Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom returns to Sunday night television and launches on RFD-TV streaming services, bringing 330 classic episodes to viewers.
Explore our classic episodes page.
2021
Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom sponsors a new digital series on The Dodo. The series, Saving the Wild, is hosted by Peter Gros. It features animal stories and inspires viewers to reduce their own carbon footprint.
Video: Watch Saving the Wild.
2022
Wild Kingdom makes its debut in the Tournament of Roses Parade. Created alongside RFD-TV, where we were airing classic episodes, the conservation-themed float is made of completely organic material. It earns the parade’s Director Award for the most outstanding artistic design and use of floral and non-floral materials.
Video: See the winning design.
2023
Wild Kingdom’s second float with RFD-TV in the Tournament of Roses Parade earns the Isabella Coleman Award for most outstanding presentation of color and color harmony through floral design.
2023
Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom launches a new series on NBC. Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild focuses on conservation success stories. With Peter Gros and Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant as co-hosts, the series is part of Wild Kingdom’s 60th anniversary.
2024
Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom The Podcast launches, co-hosted by Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant and Peter Gros. Episodes feature wildlife experts to give fans a deeper look into the critical conservation work being done in the wild kingdom.
2024
Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom teams up with the National Wildlife Federation for the EcoLeaders® college and university grant program, supporting the next generation of conservationists. The grant program funds innovative, solutions-based programs that protect threatened, vulnerable and endangered wildlife and habitats.
2025
The original Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom airs on MeTV, America’s No. 1 classic television network, bringing the beloved series to cable, satellite and streaming services across the country.
Classic series
Protecting the Wild Now Airing
Tune in to Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild, airing weekends on NBC! Co-Hosts Peter Gros and Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant share inspiring stories of conservation success and highlight amazing animals across the country.