MEET THE HOSTS OF WILD KINGDOM
Hosts Marlin Perkins and Jim Fowler first introduced viewers to the hidden wonders of our natural world and the importance of wildlife conservation with Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom. Today, Peter Gros and Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant continue this legacy by sharing their expertise on Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild.
Peter Gros
1985-now
Peter Gros is a veteran wildlife expert and educator. As the co-host of the Emmy® nominated series, Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild, and its companion podcast, Gros shares conservation success stories and brings a message of hope to motivate audiences to take action in protecting wildlife and their habitats. Gros joined the original Wild Kingdom team in 1985, co-hosting alongside Jim Fowler on the classic series and Mutual of Omaha’s Spirit of Adventure. He’s experienced many adventures from scuba diving with whales and sharks, to snowshoeing to track wolverines, to training to survive an avalanche and plane crash. He has nearly 30 years of field experience with captive wildlife, establishing breeding programs for endangered animals and rehabilitation programs for birds of prey. As a USDA licensed exhibition exhibitor and animal educator, Gros has shared his experiences across the U.S. through the Wild Kingdom Kids Summit, talk show appearances and lectures. He also serves on the board of directors of the Suisun Marsh Natural History Association and is a trustee for the Cheetah Conservation Fund.
Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant
2023-now
As a wildlife ecologist, Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant is an expert 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. In 2025, she received the Gracie Award for On-Air Talent — Lifestyle, Entertainment, recognizing her inspirational contribution as a woman in media.
Dr. Wynn-Grant is also 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.
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. Dr. Wynn-Grant is passionate about science communication, is the creator and host of the award-winning podcast, “Going Wild with Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant,” and a research fellow with the National Geographic Society. Her memoir, “Wild Life,” explores the relationship between humans, animals and the earth through her personal journey to becoming a wildlife ecologist.
Watch Dr. Rae’s debut as a co-host on Protecting the Wild Season 1, Episode 1, “Desert-Dwelling Tortoises.”
Jim Fowler
1963-2019
A member of the Wild Kingdom team since the show’s premiere on Jan. 6, 1963, renowned Naturalist Jim Fowler remained an active ambassador to the world’s wildest places and creatures. Armed with keen knowledge of wildlife and a fearless swagger, Fowler was Marlin Perkins’ Wild Kingdom co-host until he assumed hosting duties upon Perkins’ retirement. He also was host of Mutual of Omaha’s Spirit of Adventure. Fowler was a regular guest on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and served as wildlife correspondent for NBC’s Today Show. His book, “Wildest Places on Earth,” was published in 1993. Fowler continued to represent Wild Kingdom for Mutual of Omaha until his death in 2019 at the age of 89.
Marlin Perkins
1963-1985
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.
See Marlin’s top moments, including his legendary wrestle with an anaconda.
From the Wild Kingdom to Your Kingdom
Protection is in our DNA. From your family to your health and finances, Mutual of Omaha can help you protect what matters most.