Jim Fowler

Zoologist Jim Fowler was the entry into nature for multiple generations thanks to his adventurous role alongside Marlin Perkins on the long-running "Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom" (NBC/Syndicated, 1963-1988). Born in Albany, Georgia, he grew up in Virginia. A standout baseball player in college, he turned down the opportunity to play professional ball to pursue a career with animals. He met Perkins when the TV host was filming an episode of "Zoo Parade" (Syndicated, 1950-57). An appearance on "The Today Show" (NBC, 1952-), where Fowler detailed capturing a harpy eagle in the Amazon, intrigued Perkins and he reached out to invite the young zoologist to co-host his new show "Wild Kingdom." The program featured nature from around the world, giving American viewers a glimpse into the habitats of wild animals in exotic locations in spots throughout Africa, South America, and beyond. The duo continued working together until Perkins was forced to retire in 1985 while dealing with cancer. Fowler hosted the show alone from then until its end. He also made numerous appearances on "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" (NBC, 1962-92). The late night host enjoyed making jokes about the relationship between the two "Wild Kingdom" hosts, intimating that Perkins stepped aside and allowed Fowler to do anything that might be dangerous. Once the show ended, he began contributing regularly to "The Today Show" and continued making talk show appearances. He later served as a consultant for the Animal Planet cable channel. Fowler died on May 9, 2019 at the age of 89 due to complications from heart ailments.