Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild Premiere Dates

Updated on November 29, 2023

Updated March 21, 2023

Our newest series, Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild, has had an incredible kick-off since its premiere in January, bringing viewers five brand-new episodes highlighting wildlife success stories across the United States. We are excited to deliver just as much excitement in the upcoming episodes of our new series, however we have hit an unfortunate delay in production subsequently delaying the release of our forthcoming episodes. Viewers can continue to enjoy the first five episodes of the pilot season at WildKingdom.com while awaiting new episodes.

Celebrating 60 Years of Wild Kingdom: Mutual of Omaha’s New Conservation Series Now Airing

The new series, Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild, officially premieres today, Jan. 2, at 12:00 p.m. CST / 1:00 p.m. EST on RFD-TV and RFD-TV Now. Viewers can enjoy the first episode at WildKingdom.com on the new episodes page, starting Wednesday, Jan. 4. Hosted by Peter Gros, wildlife expert and co-host of the original Wild Kingdom series, the newest iteration of the show marks 60 years since the classic series’ debut in January 1963.

Since its network television premiere, Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom has been one of the most beloved and respected wildlife programs in television history, pioneering the nature adventure genre. By featuring wild encounters with commentary from expert hosts who were part of the action, Wild Kingdom has taken viewers of all generations to the far corners of the world to study wild animals in their natural habitats for 60 years.

“Stepping into the role as host of our newest series, 60 years after the original series aired on NBC, is a huge honor,” said Peter Gros. “I have such fond memories of my time filming the original Wild Kingdom with Marlin Perkins and Jim Fowler, and I look forward to continuing the legacy of educating people about the importance of conservation and inspiring the next generation about preserving the natural world.”

Bringing viewers closer to our Wild Kingdom

In collaboration with leading habitat and wildlife conservation organizations, the new series includes 10 episodes spotlighting conservation efforts taking place throughout the U.S. and highlights how the continual advance of technology is leading to stronger conservation efforts across the world. In addition to Host Peter Gros, the series features other experts and special guests, including Wildlife Ecologist Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant, Wildlife Educator Jeff Ewelt, Marlin Perkin’s daughter Marguerite Perkins Garrick and National Wildlife Federation experts Naturalist David Mizejewski and Wildlife Advocate Beth Pratt.

“The new Wild Kingdom series builds on the conservation legacy of our original show, and Mutual of Omaha is excited to remain at the forefront of supporting conservation efforts,” said Jennifer Wulf, vice president, brand strategy and engagement for Mutual of Omaha. “We’re excited about the partnership efforts with so many amazing conservation organizations and experts. The new series will highlight wildlife success stories and celebrate the positive impact compassionate individuals can have on our Wild Kingdom.”

Airing today, the first episode “Bear Cub Rescue,” features Host Peter Gros and special guest, Wildlife Ecologist Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant in the Pacific Northwest sharing the inspiring story of two black bear cubs’ rescue, recovery and release back to the wild.

The available episodes can be watched on WildKingdom.com.

Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild episode lineup

01: “BEAR CUB RESCUE” (Airing Jan. 2)

Join host Peter Gros and special guest Wildlife Ecologist Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant as they travel to the Pacific Northwest to share this inspiring story of two black bear cubs’ rescue, recovery, and release back to the wild.

Watch Bear Cub Rescue here.

02: “SPIRIT OF THE CONDOR” (Airing Jan. 13)

Peter Gros hits the road to visit top experts in the field for a first-hand look at trials and tribulations of restoring North America’s largest bird, the California condor.

Watch Spirit of the Condor here.

03: “NUCLEAR CROCS OF THE EVERGLADES” (Airing Jan. 20)

Join Peter Gros for an exploration into work being done to protect and restore the American crocodile population with the Croc Team at Turkey Point Clean Energy facility.

Watch Nuclear Crocs of the Everglades here.

04: “CROSSING COUGAR COUNTRY” (Airing Jan. 27)

Join Peter Gros, Naturalist David Mizejewski and Wildlife Advocate Beth Pratt as they travel from Florida to Los Angeles to learn what experts are doing to protect big cats and what we can do to help.

Watch Crossing Cougar Country here.

05: “LOST CORAL OF KEY WEST” (Airing Feb. 3)

Join Peter Gros as he follows the incredible team of scientists at the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Florida Reef Tract Rescue Project defying the odds to reproduce, rebuild and restore Florida’s reefs one single piece at a time.

Watch Lost Coral of Key West here.

Celebrating the Return of the Iconic Nature Documentary

To celebrate the launch of the new Wild Kingdom series, Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom will return as a participant in the 134^th Rose Parade in Pasadena, California on Jan. 2, the same day as Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild’s first episode. The float design will be a representation of our natural world, featuring wildlife animals, including the rehabilitated bear cubs that will be highlighted in the first episode of the new series.

In honor of the orphaned bear cubs spotlighted in this first episode, Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom has collaborated with the Arbor Day Foundation to support reforestation efforts in the area of the Pacific Northwest that the bear cubs call home.

Continuing Support for Conservation Efforts

Throughout the filming process, Wild Kingdom collaborated with leading habitat and wildlife conservation organizations to bring greater awareness to specific animal and habitat related issues. We are proud to support the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Beaver Coalition, Endangered Wolf Center, Florida Wildlife Federation, fStop Foundation, Manatee Rescue and Rehab Partnership, Methow Beaver Project, National Wildlife Federation, PAWS, Scott River Watershed Council, Sea Otter Savvy, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Yurok Condor Restoration Program, and others.

More than any other company, Mutual of Omaha has served both the wild kingdom and the human kingdom, protecting what matters most to policyholders: their loved ones, their health and their finances. For additional information on Mutual of Omaha’s services and how to protect your family, visit www.mutualofomaha.com.

For additional information about Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild, including behind the scenes from filming, visit www.wildkingdom.com or follow us on Facebook.

And enjoy the first episode, Bear Cub Rescue, on our new episodes page at WildKingdom.com, starting Wednesday, Jan. 4.

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About Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom 

Since its network television premiere in 1963, Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom has been one of the most loved and respected wildlife programs in television history. Now, launching on January 2, 2023, “Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild” will celebrate stories of conservation success, including the great work of caring, compassionate experts and how they are making a positive impact on the Wild Kingdom. The new launch also coincides with the 60th anniversary of the iconic, beloved “Wild Kingdom” program. For more information about Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom, visit WildKingdom.com. 

About Mutual of Omaha 

Founded in 1909, Mutual of Omaha is a highly rated, Fortune 500 organization offering a variety of insurance and financial products for individuals, businesses and groups throughout the United States. As a mutual company, Mutual of Omaha is owned by its policyholders and committed to providing outstanding service to its customers. For more information about Mutual of Omaha, visit mutualofomaha.com.