One of 70s childhood's most enduring questions is why Marlin Perkins never got eaten by any of the WILD animals that he cavorted with while co-host Jim Fowler whispered smugly from an undisclosed and actually safe location.
Because remember, a WILD thing eventually did kill that Australian guy, Steve Irwin, who was always fondling stingrays. Since Marlin Perkins passed away in 1986, maybe he and Steve Irwin are wrestling pythons in the afterworld. Wait. Are there snakes in the afterworld? Because that would be mean.
Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom has its own fanpage. Check it out to watch dramatic clips and even more dramatic music. Please note: WILD is in all caps because that is the word they SHOUT in the opening THEME. Also, speaking of mean, they are kind of mean to the animals in ways I don't like. Like jumping from a helicopter and tackling a poor, frightened elk. Please don't show that clip to Sarah Palin.
I'll always remeber how Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom was like the "Opening Act" for the Wide World of Sports on TV. Other than National Geographic Specials, Wild Kingdom was the first show of its kind to basically tell the viewers these lovely animals should be protected and studied. The footage of Sarah Palin flying around from a helicopter is hunting period.
ReplyDeleteGood articule LBHG and thanks for the walk down memory lane.