A wildlife expert turned household name, Marlin Perkins brought the wonders of the animal world to millions of Americans while hosting Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom. Marlin’s commitment to wildlife conservation helped bring awareness to hundreds of species and inspired many to dedicate their lives to protecting the wild.
Join us in remembering our beloved host with 10 memorable moments from Marlin’s 22 years on Wild Kingdom.
10 Marlin stories from Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom
From 1963 to 1985, Marlin explored the animal kingdom, using the era’s latest techniques and technology to research, film and conserve wildlife. Back then, filming was more hands-on — there weren’t any drones to capture footage. Still, the animal’s safety and well-being were always the most important factors when filming. Learn how filming has changed in over 60 years of Wild Kingdom.
Marlin wrestles the anaconda
Perhaps the most iconic moment of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom was Marlin’s wrestle with an anaconda in Season 6, Episode 2, “Giants of Dadanawa.” Many folks mistakenly think it was Host Jim Fowler who went head-to-head with the giant snake. After all, it was a long-standing joke on the Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson that Jim did all the dirty work while Marlin stayed in studio.
But that wasn’t the case here! Watch as Marlin dives in (literally!) to face an anaconda, take its measurements for a research study and release the giant snake back into the wild.
Dangerous moments in the wild kingdom
Working with wildlife is always unpredictable. You never know how a wild animal will react in a situation. Fortunately, Marlin’s years of experience working with and studying wildlife gave him the ability to predict animal behavior and know when it was time to leave an animal alone.
See some of the most exciting and nerve-racking moments on Wild Kingdom.
Debunking the legend of the yeti
The first episode of Wild Kingdom, “Myths and Superstitions,” introduced viewers to a new look at wildlife, guided by expert co-hosts. It also looked at the validity of a legend — the yeti.
On an expedition in Nepal, Marlin found strange footprints in the snow that locals claimed were from a yeti. But using his scientific expertise, Marlin determined the footprints were from another creature.
Check out which animal’s footprints were mistaken for a yeti.
‘In Search of the Giant Armadillo’
In the wilds of Guyana, South America, Marlin headed out to find a rare species. His quest took him past jaguars, coatis and bush dogs until he finally saw a giant armadillo.
Watch Season 7, Episode 6, “In Search of the Giant Armadillo.”
Memorable moments in the wild kingdom
Hear Marlin and Jim share some of their favorite times on the series, including wild elephants in India, tracking jaguars in Mexico and rescuing monkeys in Venezuela.
‘Winter Comes to Yellowstone’
No weather will stop the quest to understand the wild kingdom! In Season 3, Episode 15, “Winter Comes to Yellowstone,” Marlin explored Yellowstone National Park. With the help of a snowmobile and a pair of snowshoes, he saw how wildlife found food sources during the winter.
‘To Rope a Grizzly’
Though it may have seemed like Marlin was gearing up for a rodeo in Season 7, Episode 2, “To Rope a Grizzly,” his mission was strictly for animal conservation. Marlin headed out on horseback to capture and relocate a grizzly bear who was harming livestock.
Watch as Marlin and a pack of trained dogs, try to corner in on a grizzly.
‘Designs for Survival’
Marlin and Jim explored different methods of protection animals instinctively use to survive in the wild, including odors, shells, burrows, quills and camouflage.
See these survival instincts in Season 1, Episode 2, “Designs for Survival.”
‘Chimpanzees of Tanzania’
On a trip to Tanzania, Marlin observed chimpanzee research. He saw how chimp mannerisms are similar to humans and watched as they used tools.
Check out Season 15, Episode 10, “Chimpanzees of Tanzania.”
‘Operation Rhino’
Marlin boarded a helicopter looking for white rhinos with conservationists who were working to relocate the species. These rhinos were captured, rehabilitated if needed and then relocated to new areas to bring rhinos back to their wide, native range.
Watch Season 13, Episode 6, “Operation Rhino.”
For more classic series memories, read about the early days of Wild Kingdom. Then, test your Marlin and Jim knowledge with a fun quiz.
