This has been a wild ride.
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.
1971
Wild Kingdom enters syndication and wins 41 major achievements
Awards Won
4 Emmys from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences
The first endorsment of a television program by the National PTA
First Annual Communications Award from the National Wildlife Association
1987
Mutual of Omaha’s Spirit of Adventure featuring Jim Fowler and Peter Gros begins a two-year run on ABC
1991
“Concerts of Yellowstone” series, featuring Chip Davis and Mannheim Steamroller
1992
Mutual of Omaha’s Wildlife Heritage Center launches
Mutual of Omaha’s Wildlife Heritage Center awarded cash grants, scholarships and special citations to individuals and organizations involved in wildlife preservation.
1993
Jim Fowler’s “Wildest Places on Earth” book tour in conjunction with Time Life Books
1995
Wild Kingdom airs on PBS with updated introductions and recaps by Fowler and Gros
We need to talk a lot more about why the natural world is important to the quality of life of human beings.
2001
Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Kids’ Summit launches to challenge kids to think creatively about the natural world
2002
Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom returns to television on Animal Planet
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.
2005
Wild Kingdom Adventure Tour brings a unique, interactive, mobile experience to fairs and festivals throughout the country
2009
Mutual of Omaha creates the Wild Kingdom TV Channel on YouTube and Facebook
Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom averaged 34 million viewers in the United States and kept most of that audience for 25 years.
2013
Mutual of Omaha launches nationwide Wild Guide Contest as part of Wild Kingdom’s 50th anniversary
2019
Wild Kingdom Co-host Peter Gros continues public appearances in support of conservation education
2021
Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom is back on 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."
2022
Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom sponsors a new digital series on The Dodo. With Peter Gros as the host, the series, Saving the Wild, features animals and inspires viewers to reduce their own carbon footprint.
2022
Wild Kingdom makes its debut in the Tournament of Roses Parade. 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.
2023
Wild Kingdom’s second float 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, Protecting the Wild, focusing on conservation success stories. With Peter Gros as host, the series is part of Wild Kingdom’s 60th anniversary.
Mutual of Omaha has always been committed to Protecting Your Kingdom.