When Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom premiered in January 1963, it took viewers to the far corners of the world to study wild animals in their natural habitat. The show pioneered the format now common to nature shows, which builds a suspenseful story around the very real challenges faced by the hosts and camera crews in the wild. The program let viewers see the action, but not the violence, which helped make it the favorite nature show for millions of American families.

Early in 1962, renowned naturalist Marlin Perkins and V. J. Skutt, then chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Mutual of Omaha, began discussing ideas for a new animal series for television. Mutual had previously sponsored Zoo Parade, which Perkins hosted until 1957.

Mr. Skutt was looking for a groundbreaking opportunity to provide viewers with a broader look at the animal world, one that would depict the importance of conservation. Skutt, Perkins and Zoo Parade producer Don Meier all believed the public would greatly enjoy and benefit from a realistic approach to filming a new series. They joined creative forces and Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom was born.

The show was seen on network prime-time television until 1971, when it was placed in syndication on the Mutual of Omaha National Syndication Network. An excellent testimonial to its popularity was the interest of more than 200 local market stations that asked to join the network. As a syndicated show, Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom began telecasting to larger audiences than ever before in the program's history, and was one of only five syndicated shows nominated for an Emmy in 1972.

In all, Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom has been recognized with 41 major awards, including four Emmys and an endorsement by the National PTA for television recommended for family viewing. The show has been a leader in wildlife preservation and environmental concern while maintaining a longevity unmatched in commercial and syndicated television programming.

Jim Fowler succeeded the late Marlin Perkins as host of the show in 1985, when Mr. Perkins had to step aside for health reasons. Mr. Perkins passed away June 14, 1986. In 1985, during the show's last year of production, Fowler was joined by Peter Gros, an experienced trainer and handler of wild animals. While the show ceased production after the 1985 season, it remained in syndication until the mid-1990s.

Animal Planet and Mutual of Omaha have now joined to reintroduce Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom. The wildlife documentary programming premiered on Animal Planet Sept. 17, 2002 with The Lost Elephants of Timbuktu, the first of six original hour-long specials. Each premiere episode explores unusual animals and incorporates unique techniques and approaches to filmmaking.

The programming covers six of the seven continents, with environs ranging from deserts below sea level in Africa to sub-freezing escarpments 16,000 feet high in the Himalayas. The series focuses on a wide range of mammals, reptiles and amphibians, and will seek out previously unknown and rare species. In addition, the new Mutual Of Omaha's Wild Kingdom features striking new graphics and a completely original orchestral score.