Date of Birth: April 9, 1930
Zodiac Sign: Aries
Date of Death: May 8, 2019
Biography
Jim Fowler was an American naturalist and television host best known for his work on the long-running television program “Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom.” Born in Albany, Georgia, Fowler developed a passion for wildlife at a young age. He studied zoology at Earlham College in Richmond, Indiana, where he also played basketball. Jim Fowler’s career in wildlife conservation and education spanned over five decades. He joined “Wild Kingdom” in 1963 and became a co-host alongside Marlin Perkins. Fowler was known for his hands-on approach, often interacting directly with the wild animals featured on the show. This direct engagement helped to educate and inspire countless viewers about the importance of wildlife conservation. In addition to his work on “Wild Kingdom,” Fowler made numerous appearances on “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson” and other talk shows, bringing wild animals into the spotlight and raising public awareness about conservation issues. He also served as a wildlife correspondent for NBC’s “Today” show and wrote several books on wildlife and conservation. Fowler was involved with numerous conservation organizations and received several awards for his work, including the prestigious Lindbergh Award for his contributions to wildlife preservation. He remained active in conservation efforts until his death in 2019.
5 Interesting Facts about Jim Fowler
1. Jim Fowler was a star basketball player in college and was offered a contract to play for the Boston Celtics, which he turned down to pursue his passion for wildlife.
2. He was one of the first to bring wild animals into television studios, a practice that became a staple of wildlife education on TV.
3. Fowler once had a close encounter with a leopard while filming “Wild Kingdom,” which became one of the show’s most memorable moments.
4. He served as a wildlife consultant for several Hollywood films, including “The Lion King.”
5. Fowler received an honorary doctorate in Science from Earlham College in recognition of his contributions to wildlife education and conservation.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Jim Fowler
1. “The continued existence of wildlife and wilderness is important to the quality of life of humans.”
2. “I believe that education is the best way to ignite a passion for conservation in the next generation.”
3. “The way to understand and appreciate wildlife is to see it in its natural habitat.”
4. “Conservation is not just about saving species; it’s about ensuring the health of our planet.”
5. “Television has given us an incredible platform to educate and inspire people about the importance of wildlife.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Jim Fowler’s highest net worth was estimated to be around $2 million.
Children
Jim Fowler had two children, Mark and Carrie, with his wife, Betsey Fowler. Both children have been involved in conservation efforts and have continued their father’s legacy.
Relevant Links
1. [Jim Fowler’s IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0288650/
2. [Biography on National Geographic](https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/jim-fowler
3. [Wild Kingdom Official Site](https://www.wildkingdom.com/
5. [Lindbergh Award Information](https://www.charleslindbergh.com/awards/