A renowned naturalist and venerable television host, Jim Fowler represented Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom from its series premiere in 1963 till his death in 2019. Over his 56 years with Wild Kingdom, Jim hosted alongside Marlin Perkins and Peter Gros, traveling around the world to study animals in their natural habitats.
Throughout his time with Wild Kingdom, wildlife research and data collection methods greatly evolved. In the early days, it was necessary to be hands-on with animals to study them. As a wildlife expert, however, Jim always knew how to properly handle a wild species.
8 great Jim Fowler moments
Discover some of Jim’s most memorable moments on the series.
1. ‘The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson’
Throughout his time with Wild Kingdom, Jim spent many nights at NBC Studios on the set of “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.” On the comedian’s late-night talk show, Jim introduced the studio audience to many different species. Because animals are always unpredictable, this led to some chaotic moments in the studio, like a bat getting loose, a baboon punching Johnny and a massive beetle that flies.
2. ‘Land of the Condor’
In the mountains of Peru, Jim rappelled down a cliff to capture a condor. The conservation mission wasn’t easy.
See how it unfolded in Season 7, Episode 7, “Land of the Condor.”
3. Dangerous moments in the Wild Kingdom
Decades of traveling the world together to film wildlife led to a few close calls for Jim and Marlin. See these dangerous moments caught on film, including Jim bringing a wild puma into his canoe!
4. ‘Winter in the Wild Kingdom’
In snowy Colorado, Jim boarded a helicopter to search for elk. In order to properly track and study the elk, Jim bulldogged it. He jumped from the helicopter and wrestled the elk to the ground!
Watch the crazy moment unfold on Season 4, Episode 13, “Winter in the Wild Kingdom.”
5. ‘Elephants of Lake Kariba’
Jim and Peter journey down the Zambezi River between Zambia and Zimbabwe, encountering massive white water rapids on the way. Once they reach Lake Kariba, they capture elephants for tagging.
Catch the thrilling journey in Season 25, Episode 8, “Elephants of Lake Kariba.”
6. Memorable moments in the Wild Kingdom
Jim and Marlin share some of their favorite Wild Kingdom moments, such as capturing a moose, rescuing a monkey and tracking down buffalo.
7. ‘Chase by Copter’
On another helicopter adventure, Jim and Marlin traveled to Canada to observe wildlife. First, Jim joined fish and wildlife professionals to tag moose, diving in to get the job done. Then, the hosts set up nets to capture mountain goats for study.
See it unfold in Season 7, Episode 9, “Chase By Copter.”
8. ‘Bayou Backwaters’
Marlin wasn’t the only one who wrestled an animal. Jim had to wrangle a snapping turtle and alligator in the Louisiana bayou.
Watch Season 4, Episode 2, “Bayou Backwaters.”
For more Wild Kingdom memories, check out Marlin Perkins’ top moments.
Plus, learn more about Jim’s wildlife work, including how he saved the harpy eagle in Panama.
