Jim Fowler, Host of ‘Wild Kingdom,’ Dies at Age 87: Family

A stock photo shows an ambulance with lights flashing. (Joshua Lott/Getty Images)

Jim Fowler, who was the host of “Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom,” died at the age of 89, it was reported.

The Washington Post reported that he died on May 8. His family confirmed his death.

According to Legacy.com, Fowler “was usually the one that did the physical work on the show, such as wading in crocodile infested water.”

He also appeared on Johnny Carson’s “Tonight” show and “Conan.” Later, he was a leading figure for wildlife conservation and designed an animal park in Albany, Georgia.

Before he took over as host in 1986, he served as a co-host of the program with Marlin Perkins, starting in 1963.

“Jim Fowler was an early ambassador of wildlife conservation along with Marlin Perkins. He continued that wildlife stewardship late into his career and throughout his life,” said Dennis Pate, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, to KETV. “Jim set the stage for many others to follow in advancing wildlife conservation.”

Meanwhile, his family told WALB: “We are sad, however, that Uncle Jim died on May 8 at 2 a.m. in his own bed with his wife, our Aunt Betsey, beside him. We are glad to have honored him on the farm just a month ago.”

Other details about his death were not revealed.

In 2003, according to KETV, Fowler was given with the Lindbergh Award for his dedication to wildlife preservation.

“Jim Fowler’s enthusiastic, all-encompassing love for endangered wildlife has won him the affection of human and animal kind the world over,” said Reeve Lindbergh in announcing the award.

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