MEET THE HOSTS OF WILD KINGDOM

As a wildlife ecologist, Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant has expertise in uncovering how human activity influences carnivore behavior and ecology. As co-host of the Emmy® nominated series, Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild and its companion podcast, Dr. Wynn-Grant advocates for increased diversity among guests and the production crew, resulting in a stronger, more inclusive culture on set. She’s committed to sustainable practices to reduce the Wild Kingdom production’s environmental impact, and helped identify ways to reduce carbon emissions on set. This helped the series achieve the Environmental Media Association’s green seal certification.

A native Californian, she attributes her interest in wildlife and conservation to the television shows she watched as a child, including the iconic original series, Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom. She's passionate about science communication and is the creator and host of the award-winning podcast, “Going Wild with Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant.” Dr. Wynn-Grant's memoir, “Wild Life,” explores the relationship between humans, animals and the earth through her personal journey to becoming a wildlife ecologist. She's also a research fellow with the National Geographic Society.

An accomplished zoologist with an encyclopedic knowledge of animals large and small, Marlin Perkins brought the wonders of the Wild Kingdom into Americans’ living rooms with a confidence and respect that underscored the importance of conservation. After a stint hosting the television program, Zoo Parade, Perkins was host of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom from 1963 to 1985. In addition to his television career, Perkins was director of the New York Zoo in Buffalo, New York, the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago and the St. Louis Zoo. He died in 1986 at age 81.

Hear about Marlin's filming days from his daughter, Marguerite.