Filming is underway for new episodes of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild. Co-Hosts Peter Gros and Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant ventured northwest to Washington, Montana and Canada, to film four new species for the show. Get a sneak peek from the co-hosts.
Species coming soon to Protecting the Wild
Fishers in Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada
Have you heard of a fisher? These mammals are in the mustelid or weasel family and are related to minks, otters and martens. Peter traveled to BC Wildlife Park to meet three young fishers, called kits.
The fisher kits were rescued and rehabilitated at the park so they could return to the wild. Peter worked with researchers and a veterinarian who implanted a tracking device in each fisher. These devices help researchers learn about fishers’ location and behavior in the wild.
“I felt so fortunate that I could participate in the release of these three little fishers,” Peter said. “In the short time I held one of these little fisher cats in my hand, I sensed immediate admiration for their ability to survive in the severe climates of British Columbia.”
Fishers are very elusive animals. When the crew released the kits back into the wild, they never expected to see the kits again. But two hours after the release, the crew quietly snuck up back to the area where the fisher had last been seen. There, the crew was blessed with the sight of a kit sniffing around a log.
“We stood motionless knowing we were possibly getting some of the best footage ever filmed of a fisher,” Peter said. “Soon, it awkwardly climbed about 60 meters up a huge pine tree, using its tail like a balancing pole as it explored lofty tree branches for the first time. We were able to observe him for several minutes as he carefully made his way down headfirst where he continued to explore along the base of the tree before disappearing back to his home in the wild. This fisher was going to be just fine in the forest of British Columbia.”
Check out Season 1, Episode 21, “Conservation Comeback” featuring a fellow member of the mustelid family — the black-footed ferret.
Lynx in Washington and Canada
In the Cascade Mountains, you can find what may appear to be a large house cat with pointy ears. But these aren’t pets — they’re lynx, a big cat with furry paw pads, perfect for their snowy home.
“Lynx are one of the world’s most impressive big cats because they live in the harsh conditions of heavy high-altitude snow with no problems at all,” Dr. Rae said.
Dr. Rae ventured into Colville tribal land with a team of biologists who are tracking Canada lynx in the hopes of reestablishing a wild population.
“The evergreen forests, winter wildlife and the mountains themselves were spectacular, so for anyone who isn’t afraid of a little cold, the adventure was amazing,” Dr. Rae said.
For another wild cat story, watch Season 2, Episode 4, “The Hidden World of Ocelots.”
Orcas in Washington
Orcas, or killer whales, are well recognized for their shiny black and white bodies with a gray patch behind their fins. They’re found in every ocean on Earth, including the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Washington where the Protecting the Wild crew filmed an upcoming episode.
Peter joined orca experts as they explored the waters of the San Juan Islands.
“As we drifted near Friday Harbor, it wasn’t long before we saw our first pod of orcas surfacing, blowing and swimming close enough so our experts could recognize each whale by its dorsal fin and individual coloration,” Peter said. “With each observation came a heartfelt description of the personality of each animal that these biologists knew so well.”
Wolverines in Montana
Just like fishers, wolverines are members of the mustelid family and are also quite elusive. Luckily the Protecting the Wild crew had the inside scoop on where to find wolverines — ZooMontana — an Association of Zoos and Aquariums accredited facility that mainly houses wildlife native to Montana.
The zoo’s wolverines were great ambassadors to Dr. Rae and the Protecting the Wild crew, allowing them into their habitat without any problems. There, the crew watched as carnivore researchers and wolverine experts practiced new scent trapping technology.
“I’ve worked in Montana for years and yet had never been to Zoo Montana,” Dr. Rae said. “Now, I know I’ll never miss an opportunity to hang out there. It’s an incredible zoo with one of the most scholarly and caring staff that I’ve ever seen. It’s a must-see!”
Watch these species on future episodes of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild.
