Jim Fowler, host of Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom has passed away at the age of 89. https://www.msn.com/en-us/tv/news/j...wild-kingdom-dies-at-89/ar-AAB93Mq?li=BBnbfcL Sources: msn and the hollywood reporter May he rest in peace.
Perkins and Fowler, the original "crocodile hunters"... I know it's been joked how Perkins stayed safe in the studio while Perkins was in the swamps or upon the savannah dealing with dangerous animals. But that was during the 70s when Perkins was quite old. A friend of mine noted that during the 60s, Perkins was in the wild along with Perkins. As evidence, he linked a clip with the pair struggling with a big a$$ python submerged to their waists in wetlands. Perkins was not exactly a spring chicken even then, but the wiry fellow kept pace with the younger Fowler. My respect for Perkins went through the roof that day. I know this diverged somewhat from Jim, but I thought it just needed to be stated.
I have very fond memories of "Wild Kingdom." It was part of my childhood Sunday night viewing. The whole family got together and we watched " Wild Kingdom" and "The Wonderful World of Disney." Maybe Jim & Marlin Perkins are part of the reason I care about animals so much.
I remember that clip very well. It was serious stuff, that snake could have taken Perkins down permanently. Luckily he got in shallow enough water he could keep standing up when the snake knocked him down. Us too! And sometimes, if a football game ended early or something, The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau. RIP Big Jim Fowler, I also fondly remember his many enjoyable appearances with (and sometimes embarrassments of) Johnny Carson.