Jim Fowler – one of the world’s best-known naturalists, has presented wildlife and wilderness to television viewers for more than 35 years, first as co-host with Marlin Perkins of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom, and later as the host of the same program. Since 1988 Fowler has served as the wildlife correspondent for NBC’s Today Show. Currently the host of Animal Planet’s Animal Encounters with Jim Fowler, he lives with his family between Connecticut and Albany, Georgia.
The following are excerpts from the introduction Jim wrote to a forthcoming book
by Gloria Johnson.
“Gloria Johnson is one of those rare people who, for some reason, became infatuated with cats. Not just house cats, big cats too, such as mountain lions and tigers. She also presents lecture demonstrations with her cats to schools and adult audiences. I’ve personally seen the looks on the faces of the people in her audience. People of all ages light up and listen. In many zoos today, one can’t experience the presence of an animal up close and personal. To look into the eyes of another species, which also deserves a chance to live on this planet as we do, is very special.
It takes a special dedication and talent to take care of a tiger. But for those few who have the “right stuff”, raising a big cat can be critical to the survival of the few that still survive in the wild.
Gloria Johnson has taken the time and has dedicated her life to educating the public about the plight of the big cats. Her passion is important because, as our society becomes more and more disconnected from the natural world we must use every technique we can to maintain a connection. In fact, a deep connection is necessary if we are going to make the existence of open space, wildlife and wilderness a priority in our lives.
Unfortunately the fear of animals is growing, not respect or understanding. The media is quick to cover a story that is considered newsworthy. Extreme incidents that rarely occur are portrayed as being commonplace. … Often the incident is portrayed totally out of context with what really happened. … As fear grows, politicians and regulators begin prohibiting animals from being raised by the private sector regardless of a person’s dedication or capability. (emphasis added)
I have presented lecture demonstrations to the public with the help of safe, handle able
animals for over thirty years without even one incident while I have been trying to work as a “spokesperson” for the natural world, which, in my opinion is one of the highest callings of our time. Today, learning how to affect public attitudes and make people care is our number one challenge if we are going to sustain the work of nature and a quality of life for all peoples. When one speaks before an audience it helps to have an “animal ambassador” with you. Slides and pictures help, but there’s nothing as effective as a live animal companion.
Some people say that no one should raise an animal out of the wild. After having presented animals before the public for so many years, my attitude is that although the raising of animals should be regulated, perhaps
clear cutting a forest or destroying a wetland should be a crime, but not wanting to work with an animal. I’ve had too many people come up to me and say that because someone came to their school assembly program with live animals on stage, they are now either working in the wildlife profession or helping save wildlife in some way or another.
For those who feel that animals should only be left in the wild, I say that you’re missing the big picture. Having animals in captivity is not the problem. Rapid loss of wildlife habitat worldwide is. That’s the real cruelty. … ‘How we treat the earth’ and nature in general, hardly shows up on our list of priorities at election time.
Gloria works well with people, families, and children. … and after all, what is life all about if “Jane” can’t live with a tiger in the jungle so that both can contribute to each other’s well-being and, in turn, the well being of humanity!?
Jim Fowler,
Honorary President, Explorer’s Club
“Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom”
Recipient, 2003, “Charles Lindbergh Award”
