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WILD KINGDOM HISTORY

Wild Kingdom pioneered the nature adventure genre. By featuring wild encounters with commentary from expert hosts who were part of the action, Wild Kingdom has provided viewers with an engaging exploration of wildlife and our natural world for more than 50 years. See highlights from Wild Kingdom’s timeline.

Wild Kingdom NBC Debut Image Wild Kingdom NBC Debut Image

1963

Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom debuts on NBC. The series averages 34 million viewers in the United States.

WATCH 1963 DEBUT EPISODE

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1971

Wild Kingdom enters syndication and wins 41 major achievements.

  • 4 Emmys from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences
  • The first endorsement of a television program by the National PTA
  • First Annual Communications Award from the National Wildlife Association
Jim Fowler and Peter Gros holding a monkey Jim Fowler and Peter Gros holding a monkey

1987

Mutual of Omaha’s Spirit of Adventure, featuring Jim Fowler and Peter Gros, begins a two-year run on ABC.

1991

Wild Kingdom co-sponsors the “Concerts of Yellowstone” series, featuring Chip Davis and Mannheim Steamroller. A portion of the proceeds go to the National Parks Service to restore Yellowstone National Park after a fire.

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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.

Wildest Places on Earth Book Image Wildest Places on Earth Book Image

1993

Jim Fowler embarks on his “Wildest Places on Earth” book tour in conjunction with Time Life Books.

Wildest Places on Earth Book Image Wildest Places on Earth Book Image

1995

“We need to talk a lot more about the why the natural world is important to the quality of life of human beings.” — Jim Fowler

Wild Kingdom airs on PBS with updated introductions and episode recaps by Jim Fowler and Peter Gros.

Peter Gros and Kids Holding Snake Image Peter Gros and Kids Holding Snake Image

2001

Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Kids’ Summit launches to challenge kids to think creatively about the natural world.

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2002

“The new series on Animal Planet allowed Wild Kingdom to return to its historic Sunday evening time slot to educate a whole new generation of viewers.” — Peter Gros

Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom returns to television with a series on Animal Planet.

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2005

Wild Kingdom Adventure Tour brings a unique, interactive, mobile experience to fairs and festivals throughout the country.

Lady with Penguin Image Lady with Penguin Image

2009

Mutual of Omaha creates the Wild Kingdom TV Channel on YouTube and Facebook.

2013

Mutual of Omaha launches a nationwide Wild Guide Contest as part of Wild Kingdom’s 50th anniversary.

Photo of whale in the ocean Photo of whale in the ocean

2014

Mutual of Omaha launches a web series.

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2019

Wild Kingdom Host Peter Gros continues public appearances in support of conservation education.

2021

Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom returns to Sunday night television and launches on RFD-TV streaming services.

Viewers can access 330 classic episodes, 62 “Fast Facts”, 50 webisodes, 28 “Field Notes” and 4 “5 Facts.”

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2022

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.

2022 Rose Parade Image 2022 Rose Parade Image

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.

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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.

Photo of Peter Gros and Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant Photo of Peter Gros and Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant

2023

Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom launches a new series, Protecting the Wild, focusing on conservation success stories. With Peter Gros and Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant as hosts, the series is part of Wild Kingdom’s 60th anniversary.

Classic series

Kids feeding goat as parents look on with amusement Kids feeding goat as parents look on with amusement

Protecting the Wild Now Airing

Watch episodes of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild on NBC! Hosts Peter Gros and Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant will share inspiring stories of conservation success and highlight amazing animals across the country.

LEARN MORE & STREAM EPISODES