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SHOP WILD KINGDOM MERCHANDISE

Updated on May 08, 2025

Whether you remember the original Wild Kingdom show, are a fan of our new Protecting the Wild series or are experiencing the brand through our website and social media channels, you’re part of a generation of people who have developed a strong connection to Wild Kingdom and Mutual of Omaha during the past 60 years.  

Show your fandom with some Wild Kingdom merchandise available through our online store.  

Here’s a peek at what’s available.

Wild Kingdom t-shirts

Adult t-shirts are available in sizes small to 4X.

Fabric: 

  • 4.2 oz., 52% airlume combed and ringspun cotton, 48% polyester, 32 singles. 
  • Prism Colors: 99% airlume combed and ring-spun cotton, 1% polyester. 

Feature: 

  • Retail fit 
  • Unisex sizing 
  • Shoulder taping 
  • Sideseamed 
  • Tear away label 
  • Pre-shrunk 

BELLA+CANVAS uses sustainable manufacturing processes with Blue Sign certified dyes, efficient dye houses that adhere to the state of California’s EPA regulations around waste water treatment and usage, and cutting facilities in Los Angeles that run on partial solar power with comprehensive recycling programs for paper waste and fabric scrap. 

two wild kingdom tshirts

Wild Kingdom lion t-shirt – Show your Wild Kingdom pride with this lion t-shirt, available in navy heather and black.

three wild kingdom t-shirts

Wild Kingdom plant t-shirt – It’s a jungle out there and you’ll fit right in with this plant t-shirt, available in heather slate, heather sage and heather stone. 

three wild kingdom tshirts

Wild Kingdom animal t-shirt – Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! This t-shirt featuring some of your favorite animals is available in heather stone, heather slate and heather sage. 

Youth and infant options

orange wild kingdom tshirt

Wild Kingdom youth t-shirt – Your young adventurer will stand out in the crowd with this t-shirt. Available in orange and in sizes youth x-small to XL. 

orange onesie

Wild Kingdom infant onesie – 12 months – A perfect introduction to the Wild Kingdom for your littlest explorer! Available in orange with these features: 

  • 4.5 oz. (US) 8.3 oz (CA), 100% combed ringspun cotton fine jersey 
  • Sewn with 100% cotton thread 
  • Flatlock-stitched seams 
  • Double needle stitched ribbed binding on lap shoulder neck, shoulders, sleeves and leg opening 
  • Innovative three-snap closure 
  • Side seam construction 
  • CPSIA compliant tracking label in side seam 
  • EasyTear™ label 

Accessories and other Wild Kingdom merchandise

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Split image showing, on the left, Marlin Perkins, the longtime host of Wild Kingdom, outdoors with a small animal perched on his shoulder, and on the right, an older couple standing close together in a wooded setting. Split image showing, on the left, Marlin Perkins, the longtime host of Wild Kingdom, outdoors with a small animal perched on his shoulder, and on the right, an older couple standing close together in a wooded setting.

Protection is in our nature

From Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom to helping protect your kingdom, protection for what matters most is our mission.

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            <p>For the second year in a row, <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/protecting-the-wild">Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild</a> has been nominated for a Daytime Emmy® Award in the following category &#8212; Directing Team for a Single Camera Daytime Non-Fiction Program</p>\n
            <p><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/meet-our-hosts">Co-hosted by Peter Gros and Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant</a>, the series highlights wildlife conservation stories from around the world. With captivating storytelling and breathtaking cinematography, Protecting the Wild continues to inspire the next generation of conservationists.</p>\n
            <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-4495" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/Emmys-2025-Peter-and-Rae-2-225x300.jpeg" alt="Peter Gros and Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant, co-hosts of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild, on the red carpet at the National Academy of Television Arts &amp; Sciences event." width="168" height="224" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/Emmys-2025-Peter-and-Rae-2-225x300.jpeg 225w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/Emmys-2025-Peter-and-Rae-2-768x1023.jpeg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/Emmys-2025-Peter-and-Rae-2-113x150.jpeg 113w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/Emmys-2025-Peter-and-Rae-2-1153x1536.jpeg 1153w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/Emmys-2025-Peter-and-Rae-2-1537x2048.jpeg 1537w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/Emmys-2025-Peter-and-Rae-2.jpeg 1816w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 168px) 100vw, 168px" />        <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-4496 size-medium" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/Emmys-2025-Whole-WK-HMPG-Group-300x225.jpeg" alt="Peter Gros and Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant with the Wild Kingdom team at the 52nd Daytime Emmy Awards red carpet." width="300" height="225" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/Emmys-2025-Whole-WK-HMPG-Group-300x225.jpeg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/Emmys-2025-Whole-WK-HMPG-Group-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/Emmys-2025-Whole-WK-HMPG-Group-150x113.jpeg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/Emmys-2025-Whole-WK-HMPG-Group-768x576.jpeg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/Emmys-2025-Whole-WK-HMPG-Group-1536x1153.jpeg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/Emmys-2025-Whole-WK-HMPG-Group-2048x1537.jpeg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></p>\n
            <p>“We are proud to be nominated for a Daytime Emmy once again this year,” said Jen Wulf, vice president of brand marketing at Mutual of Omaha. “Through Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild, the legacy of Marlin Perkins, Jim Fowler, and the entire Wild Kingdom family lives on in every story we share.”</p>\n
            <p>The original series, Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom, was recognized with four Emmy® Awards between 1965 to 1970.</p>\n
            <p>Over its first two seasons, Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild has earned a total of five Daytime Emmy® nominations.</p>\n
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            <p>Television’s No. 1 weekend wildlife show, <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/protecting-the-wild">Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild</a>, will return with Season 3 on Saturday, Oct. 4, on NBC’s educational/informational weekend program block.</p>\n
            <p>In addition, the wildlife TV show has been renewed through 2028-2029, the series’ sixth season.</p>\n
            <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4387 size-full" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/09/250828_EI_WK_DigitalKeyArt_S3_vF_1440x564.jpg" alt="Peter Gros and Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant are in the middle of the graphic surrounded by several animals including a koala bear, panda bear and sloth." width="1440" height="564" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/09/250828_EI_WK_DigitalKeyArt_S3_vF_1440x564.jpg 1440w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/09/250828_EI_WK_DigitalKeyArt_S3_vF_1440x564-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/09/250828_EI_WK_DigitalKeyArt_S3_vF_1440x564-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/09/250828_EI_WK_DigitalKeyArt_S3_vF_1440x564-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/09/250828_EI_WK_DigitalKeyArt_S3_vF_1440x564-768x301.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" /></p>\n
            <p>This fall, watch as <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/meet-our-hosts">Co-Hosts Peter Gros and Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant</a> take audiences across the globe to showcase stories of wildlife conservation. From tracking elusive wolverines in the rugged North American backcountry, to diving deep in the vibrant ecosystem of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, to joining conservationists working to reintroduce species like bighorn sheep in California’s snow-capped mountains, each episode highlights inspiring efforts to protect the wild.</p>\n
            <p><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/how-to-watch-mutual-of-omahas-wild-kingdom-protecting-the-wild"><em>See where you can watch Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild</em></a>.</p>\n
            <p>This season, the series partners with like-minded conservation brands focused on protecting wildlife including Fahlo and Tourism and Events Queensland to help bring incredible wildlife stories to viewers.</p>\n
            <p>“At its heart, Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild is about more than showcasing incredible wildlife — it’s about inspiring curiosity and action. The series continues to motivate new generations to become conservationists and we’re honored to carry forward this legacy for years ahead through impactful storytelling,” said Jennifer Wulf, vice president, brand marketing for Mutual of Omaha.</p>\n
            <p>Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild, which averaged more than a million weekly viewers for the 2024-2025 broadcast season, has <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/awards-and-recognition">earned five Daytime Emmy® nominations</a>, 36 Telly Awards, the BAFTA’s albert certification for sustainable production, as well as the Environmental Media Association’s (EMA) Green Seal in recognition of its sustainable production practices for Season 2 and again for Season 3.</p>\n
            <p>“Through our partnership with Mutual of Omaha and NBC, this series continues a legacy of extraordinary storytelling,” said Bryan Curb, Hearst Media Production Group executive vice president and general manager, education/information. “And, in turn, the show has had a <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/inspiring-generations-to-protect-our-wild-kingdom">productive impact inspiring people to appreciate wildlife conservation efforts</a>.”</p>\n
            <p>Before the Season 3 premiere, catch up with Season 1 and Season 2 episodes of <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/protecting-the-wild">Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild</a>.</p>\n
            <p>In addition to airing on NBC’s The More You Know educational/informational program block, the series is also available on Peacock and <a href="https://www.nbc.com/mutual-of-omahas-wild-kingdom-protecting-the-wild" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NBC.com</a>. Season 2 of the series will premiere in Spanish on Telemundo on Oct. 4.</p>\n
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          "date" => "2025-09-04 09:00:27"
          "excerpt" => "<p>Television’s No. 1 weekend wildlife show, Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild, will return with Season 3 on Saturday, Oct. 4, on NBC’s educational/informational weekend program block. In addition, the wildlife TV show has been renewed through 2028-2029, the series’ sixth season. This fall, watch as Co-Hosts Peter Gros and Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant [&hellip;]</p>\n"
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            <p>See which media outlets recently featured Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild Co-Hosts Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant and Peter Gros sharing their wildlife expertise. Plus, check out where the co-hosts have been sharing their excitement about Protecting the Wild’s Season 3 premiere.</p>\n
            <h2>Season 3 premiere coverage</h2>\n
            <h3><a href="https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/wild-kingdom-nbc-return-season-three-renewal-1236506567/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Variety</a></h3>\n
            <p>Variety was first to share the exciting news about Season 3 of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild.</p>\n
            <h3><a href="https://www.today.com/video/peter-gros-opens-up-about-the-legacy-of-wild-kingdom-248326213865" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TODAY Show</a></h3>\n
            <p>Peter Gros joined Dylan Dreyer, Craig Melvin, and Al Roker live on the TODAY Show to celebrate the legacy of Wild Kingdom and give an exciting sneak peek at Season 3.</p>\n
            <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4437 size-full" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/1440x564_3-scaled.jpg" alt="Al Roker, Craig Melvin, Dylan Dreyer and Peter Gross discuss Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom during the TODAY show." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/1440x564_3-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/1440x564_3-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/1440x564_3-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/1440x564_3-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/1440x564_3-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/1440x564_3-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/1440x564_3-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></p>\n
            <h3><a href="https://www.wowt.com/video/2025/09/23/new-season-wild-kingdom-debut-october/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Local TV Coverage</a></h3>\n
            <p>Both co-hosts joined local TV stations across the country to chat about the new season. Watch one of those here!</p>\n
            <h3><a href="https://muckrack.com/broadcast/savedclips/view/y0JtDIKvgv?_gl=1%2A1h7ej0i%2A_gcl_au%2AMTc2MTEzOTM4Ny4xNzU1NjMyMDYxLjEzNDY5NjM5MDkuMTc1ODU3MjgyMC4xNzU4NTcyODU4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NBC News Daily</a></h3>\n
            <p>Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant joined Kate Snow on NBC News Daily to share a behind-the-scenes look at the adventures featured in Season 3 of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild.</p>\n
            <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4436 size-full" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/1440x564_2-scaled.jpg" alt="Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant discuss Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom with Kate Snow on NBC News Daily." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/1440x564_2-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/1440x564_2-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/1440x564_2-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/1440x564_2-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/1440x564_2-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/1440x564_2-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/1440x564_2-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></p>\n
            <h2>Co-Hosts share expert wildlife tips</h2>\n
            <h3><a href="https://www.countryliving.com/life/entertainment/a65024999/wild-kingdom-inspires-stem-careers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Country Living</a></h3>\n
            <p>Country Living highlighted the influence Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom has had on viewers pursuing careers in wildlife as seen in the “<a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/inspiring-generations-to-protect-our-wild-kingdom">Wild Impact Report</a>.”</p>\n
            <h3><a href="https://www.housebeautiful.com/lifestyle/gardening/a65494463/how-to-keep-bears-out-of-your-yard/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">House Beautiful</a></h3>\n
            <p>Dr. Rae shared tips to keep bears out of your yard with House Beautiful.</p>\n
            <h3><a href="https://www.marthastewart.com/common-camping-mistakes-11780723" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Martha Stewart</a></h3>\n
            <p>Peter explained why it’s important to store food responsibly at campsites to keep both people and wildlife safe.</p>\n
            <h3><a href="https://www.countryliving.com/life/a65035642/bird-watching-tips-peter-gros/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Country Living</a></h3>\n
            <p>Peter gave bird watching tips for novices and aficionados alike to Country Living.</p>\n
            <h3><a href="https://parade.com/news/dylan-dreyers-hilarious-jumpy-moment-in-alaska-leaves-fans-laughing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Parade</a></h3>\n
            <p>Parade shared a video of TODAY Show host Dylan Dreyer’s funny moment while filming an upcoming episode of Protecting the Wild.</p>\n
            """
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          "date" => "2025-10-01 14:25:55"
          "excerpt" => "<p>See which media outlets recently featured Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild Co-Hosts Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant and Peter Gros sharing their wildlife expertise. Plus, check out where the co-hosts have been sharing their excitement about Protecting the Wild’s Season 3 premiere. Season 3 premiere coverage Variety Variety was first to share the exciting [&hellip;]</p>\n"
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          "content" => """
            <p>Can’t wait for the newest season of <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/protecting-the-wild">Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild</a>? Neither can we!</p>\n
            <p>Watch the Season 3 trailer to get a glimpse at the excitement to come.</p>\n
            <div style="position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; padding-top: 30px; height: 0; overflow: hidden;"><iframe loading="lazy" style="position: absolute; top: 0; left:0; width: 100%; height: 100%;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://\n
            www.youtube.com/embed/vb0k4W6Vmw0" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div>\n
            <p>&nbsp;<br />\n
            Then, check out the sneak peek of animals and places featured in Season 3.</p>\n
            <h2>Season 3 highlights</h2>\n
            <h3>Mexican wolves</h3>\n
            <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4446 size-full" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/639662_WK_Media_S33-scaled.jpg" alt="Collage of three scenes from an animal rescue event: Close-up of an animal’s paws resting on a person’s lap. Peter Gros and Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant gathered around the animal, which is lying on a stretcher, providing medical attention. Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant from the group stands and converses with others in an outdoor setting." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/639662_WK_Media_S33-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/639662_WK_Media_S33-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/639662_WK_Media_S33-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/639662_WK_Media_S33-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/639662_WK_Media_S33-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/639662_WK_Media_S33-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/639662_WK_Media_S33-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></p>\n
            <p>Census surveys aren’t just for humans — wildlife experts also take them to keep track of the local population of animals. In the <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/protecting-the-wild-in-california-mexico-and-more">Mexican wolf</a> episode this season, Co-Hosts Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant and Peter Gros participate in a census, including tracking down the alpha male by helicopter.</p>\n
            <h3>Lynx</h3>\n
            <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4447 size-full" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/639662_WK_Media_S34-scaled.jpg" alt="A collage of three wildlife-themed photographs: the first shows Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant outdoors with another individual; the second features a lynx being gently petted; and the third depicts a person standing on a snowmobile in a snowy forest." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/639662_WK_Media_S34-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/639662_WK_Media_S34-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/639662_WK_Media_S34-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/639662_WK_Media_S34-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/639662_WK_Media_S34-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/639662_WK_Media_S34-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/639662_WK_Media_S34-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></p>\n
            <p><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/wild-kingdom-films-in-northwest-u-s-canada">Canada lynx</a> were once abundant in the Pacific Northwest, but today various factors have decreased their population. Peter and Dr. Rae get up-close with lynx in this episode, culminating in transporting lynx back to the U.S.</p>\n
            <h3>Spider monkeys</h3>\n
            <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4448 size-full" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/639662_WK_Media_S35-scaled.jpg" alt="A collage of three nature-themed photographs: the first shows Peter Gros and Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant standing near a thatched-roof building with a “Welcome” sign; the second features a monkey hanging from a tree branch in a forested area; and the third depicts Peter Gros and Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant standing near a ledge looking down at something off-frame in a lush outdoor setting." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/639662_WK_Media_S35-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/639662_WK_Media_S35-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/639662_WK_Media_S35-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/639662_WK_Media_S35-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/639662_WK_Media_S35-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/639662_WK_Media_S35-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/639662_WK_Media_S35-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></p>\n
            <p>Protecting the Wild travels to Mexico to see <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/protecting-the-wild-in-california-mexico-and-more">spider monkeys</a> in the wild. The co-hosts learn how conservationists are fighting to save these monkeys and give them a new chance at life through rehabilitation.</p>\n
            <h3>Great Barrier Reef</h3>\n
            <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4449 size-full" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/639662_WK_Media_S36-scaled.jpg" alt="Aerial view of a vibrant coral reef in clear blue water, featuring intricate patterns of coral formations in varying shades of blue and green. A small boat or floating platform appears near the center-right, offering scale and highlighting human presence in this marine ecosystem." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/639662_WK_Media_S36-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/639662_WK_Media_S36-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/639662_WK_Media_S36-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/639662_WK_Media_S36-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/639662_WK_Media_S36-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/639662_WK_Media_S36-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/639662_WK_Media_S36-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></p>\n
            <p>Dr. Rae and Peter explore one of the world’s most iconic places — the Great Barrier Reef — while participating in coral restoration. While swimming alongside various marine animals, the co-hosts learn how new coral grown in a lab can be returned to the reef.</p>\n
            <p><a href="https://www.nbc.com/mutual-of-omahas-wild-kingdom-protecting-the-wild" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bookmark this page</a> to watch episodes of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild Season 3 as they premiere.</p>\n
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          "date" => "2025-10-02 13:26:03"
          "excerpt" => "<p>Can’t wait for the newest season of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild? Neither can we! Watch the Season 3 trailer to get a glimpse at the excitement to come. &nbsp; Then, check out the sneak peek of animals and places featured in Season 3. Season 3 highlights Mexican wolves Census surveys aren’t [&hellip;]</p>\n"
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            <p>In 1985, Peter Gros made a decision that would forever change his life — he joined Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom! Now, 40 years later, we’re proud to have Peter as a co-host of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild.</p>\n
            <p>“It doesn&#8217;t feel like 40. It&#8217;s gone by so quickly. The only thing that really sticks with me that does put time in perspective as I start to recall all the wonderful experiences I have, they start to add up. I realize I&#8217;ve been one very lucky host,” Peter said.</p>\n
            <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4468 size-full" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images3-scaled.jpg" alt="Peter Gros, co-host of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild, recalls the wonderful experiences he has had while being a host." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images3-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images3-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images3-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images3-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images3-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images3-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images3-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></p>\n
            <p>Let’s take a look back at some of Peter’s most incredible moments in his 40 years with Wild Kingdom.</p>\n
            <h2>Memories from Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom</h2>\n
            <h3>The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson</h3>\n
            <p>The moment that started it all! In 1985 Peter made an appearance on the Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson to talk about caring for the world’s largest litter of tigers ever born. And who else was on the show that night? None other than Jim Fowler, co-host of Wild Kingdom. After meeting backstage, Jim later called Peter and offered him the opportunity of a lifetime — to co-host Wild Kingdom — as Marlin Perkins was retiring from the show.</p>\n
            <p><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/how-big-cats-brought-peter-gros-to-wild-kingdom">Learn more about Peter’s path to Wild Kingdom</a>.</p>\n
            <h3>Peter’s first episode</h3>\n
            <p>The first episode Peter filmed was “<a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/classic-episodes/operation-alligator">Operation Alligator</a>” which took him and Jim to Louisiana. Peter had never worked with reptiles before, so Jim gave him a crash course on what to do while filming alligators at night.</p>\n
            <p>“My first alligator I was about to catch, I leaned over to grab it in the water, just as Jim had done prior while catching one,” Peter said. “And he leaned over and pulled back my arm and said, ‘not that one! Its eyes are too far apart.’”</p>\n
            <p>Peter learned that for every inch an alligator’s eyes are apart, that’s another foot long they are. Whereas Jim had caught a four-foot-long alligator, Peter was unknowingly going for a six-foot long one.</p>\n
            <p>“If it weren’t for Jim right now, my nickname would be ‘Lefty!’” Peter said.</p>\n
            <p>Watch “<a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/classic-episodes/operation-alligator">Operation Alligator</a>.”</p>\n
            <h3>Diving with great white sharks</h3>\n
            <p>Though many people may exaggerate their experience a job interview to get the role, Peter’s exaggeration in his Wild Kingdom interview came back to haunt him. Peter had said he was an experienced scuba diver after only a pool lesson with a friend. Soon his expertise was put to the test when he was filming great white sharks off the coast of Australia.</p>\n
            <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4469 size-full" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images4-scaled.jpg" alt="Split image showing a large shark near an underwater cage and two divers (one being Peter Gros) on a boat preparing for a dive." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images4-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images4-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images4-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images4-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images4-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images4-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images4-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></p>\n
            <p>“I looked over the stern nervously and I’m putting my scuba gear together and the head diver said, ‘Mr. Gros, how long have you been diving?’ And I said, ‘oh, well, I was just diving in California a few days ago, why do you ask.’ And he said, ‘well, you just put your regulator on your tank upside down. Tell me the truth,’” Peter said.</p>\n
            <p>Luckily, Peter got a quick crash course from the head diver and was able to swim over to the great white shark cage just fine.</p>\n
            <p>“As we were leaving, he said, ‘promise me, you’ll go back and get certified,’ which I did, and I’ve been diving ever since,” Peter said.</p>\n
            <p>Watch “<a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/classic-episodes/great-white-sharks-of-danger-reef">Great White Sharks of Dangerous Reef</a>.”</p>\n
            <h3>Working with ‘Lil’</h3>\n
            <p>Though Peter mainly starred alongside Jim Fowler, occasionally he worked with other co-stars, such as Lil, the black labrador retriever who was a part of the episode, “<a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/classic-episodes/on-the-arctic-ice-pack">On the Arctic Ice Pack</a>” in Point Barrow, Alaska.</p>\n
            <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4470 size-full" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images5-scaled.jpg" alt="Two people in winter gear kneeling on snow, attending to a reindeer lying on the ground." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images5-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images5-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images5-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images5-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images5-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images5-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images5-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></p>\n
            <p>Lil helped researchers find ring seals, which in turn lead them to the polar bears they sought out.</p>\n
            <p>“The last night we were there, we got caught in a whiteout in a canvas tent and it was just freezing,” Peter said. “And so we all sort of snuggled around Lil, all wrapped up until the storm blew through to stay warm.”</p>\n
            <p>Learn more about <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/how-wild-kingdom-uses-dogs-for-conservation">how dogs have assisted in conservation</a> over the years on Wild Kingdom.</p>\n
            <h3>Rafting the Zambezi</h3>\n
            <p>For the episode, “<a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/classic-episodes/elephants-of-lake-kariba">Elephants of Lake Kariba</a>,” Peter and Jim rafted the Zambezi along the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia. Though it wasn’t Peter’s first time white water rafting, these were tough waters, exceeding Class 4 and Class 5 rapids.</p>\n
            <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4471 size-full" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images6-scaled.jpg" alt="Group in an inflatable boat paddling near two elephants partially submerged in a natural water setting." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images6-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images6-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images6-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images6-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images6-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images6-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images6-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></p>\n
            <p>The first day, the co-hosts followed their guides and got through the rapids just fine. However, on the next day, while filming, things didn’t go as planned.</p>\n
            <p>“We hit a rock and the raft flips,” Peter said. “I get dumped in the river, held under and make my way back to shore. Our head guide casually turned to me and said, ‘Mr. Gros, you should get back to the shore faster next time because crocodiles lay along the edge waiting for food to come by,’” Peter said.</p>\n
            <p>Luckily, the crew rafted the river many more times and everything went smoothly.</p>\n
            <p>Watch “<a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/classic-episodes/elephants-of-lake-kariba">Elephants of Lake Kariba</a>” to see Peter and Jim raft the Zambezi.</p>\n
            <h2>Protecting the Wild moments</h2>\n
            <p>When the original series wrapped, Peter continued to be actively involved with Wild Kingdom, making appearances on talk shows, teaching young people about wildlife and filming other shows, such as Mutual of Omaha’s Spirit of Adventure on ABC.</p>\n
            <p>In 2023, Peter once again returned to TV full time as co-host of Wild Kingdom, this time in a new series, <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/protecting-the-wild">Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild</a>, alongside new Co-Host <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/meet-our-hosts">Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant</a>. This series continues to bring memorable moments for the veteran wildlife expert.</p>\n
            <p>&nbsp;</p>\n
            <h3>Releasing animals back into the wild</h3>\n
            <p>One of the best parts of co-hosting Protecting the Wild is participating in an animal’s release back into the wild, especially one whose conservation he’s closely followed. In the first season, Peter traveled to Maine to release puffins and showcase a project Marlin Perkins worked on in the classic series.</p>\n
            <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4474 size-full" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images9-scaled.jpg" alt="Peter Gros wearing a 'Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom' shirt, holding a puffin near a rocky ocean shoreline." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images9-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images9-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images9-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images9-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images9-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images9-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images9-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></p>\n
            <p>“Knowing that Marlin Perkins had been involved, it’s always neat to follow in his footsteps in a sort of continuum of what he had started,” Peter said.</p>\n
            <p>Watch “<a href="http://mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/puffin-island-clip">Puffin Island</a>” to see the moment unfold.</p>\n
            <p>Another animal Peter’s followed throughout the years is the California condor. In the episode, “<a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/extinct-in-the-wild">Extinct in the Wild</a>,” he was able to release one of these majestic birds.</p>\n
            <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4473 size-full" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images8-scaled.jpg" alt="Three individuals (including Peter Gros) outdoors handling a black animal near a brown building." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images8-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images8-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images8-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images8-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images8-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images8-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images8-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></p>\n
            <p>“Having one in my arms and releasing it back to the wild, it’s just a thrill,” Peter said.</p>\n
            <h3>Swimming with whale sharks</h3>\n
            <p>Though he’s had many once-in-a-lifetime experiences while hosting Wild Kingdom, Peter still had one adventure to cross off his bucket list — swimming with whale sharks. And on Season 2 of Protecting the Wild, he was finally able to achieve his goal.</p>\n
            <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4472 size-full" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images7-scaled.jpg" alt="Two scuba divers (one being Peter Gros) underwater surrounded by sharks in a clear blue ocean." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images7-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images7-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images7-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images7-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images7-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images7-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images7-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></p>\n
            <p>“The whale had its 4-foot mouth open and still feeding in a very leisurely manner in almost a slow motion and then turned toward me,” Peter said. “Its mouth was open but I just sort of laid there, barely moving and he went right by me and it was almost like watching a slow-motion train go by. His body just kept going and going. All these spots just passing me until his tail finally went by.”</p>\n
            <p>“I had to register what I had just seen, how fortunate I was that I just shared his environment. It doesn’t get any better than that,” Peter said</p>\n
            <p>Catch the moment on the Season 2 episode, “<a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/the-biggest-fish-on-earth">The Biggest Fish on Earth</a>.”</p>\n
            <p>Watch Season 3 of <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/protecting-the-wild">Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild</a> to see Peter create more memories in his wildlife TV career.</p>\n
            <p>For more iconic stories, read about <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/marlin-perkins-top-wild-kingdom-moments">Marlin Perkins</a> and <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/jim-fowlers-iconic-wild-kingdom-moments">Jim Fowler</a>’s top moments.</p>\n
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          "date" => "2025-10-13 09:49:40"
          "excerpt" => "<p>In 1985, Peter Gros made a decision that would forever change his life — he joined Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom! Now, 40 years later, we’re proud to have Peter as a co-host of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild. “It doesn&#8217;t feel like 40. It&#8217;s gone by so quickly. The only thing [&hellip;]</p>\n"
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            <p>From new discoveries to conservation wins, there were many memorable wildlife tales in 2025. Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild Co-Hosts Peter Gros and Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant break down 10 of their favorite stories from the past year.</p>\n
            <h2>2025’s top wildlife stories</h2>\n
            <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4604 size-full" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/12/639670_WK_Media_TopStories2025_images3-scaled.jpg" alt="Quote text on a dark background: “Nobody had more patience than Jane Goodall, who would sit there and observe behavior in the wild for hours and hours.” – Peter Gros, Co-Host of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/12/639670_WK_Media_TopStories2025_images3-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/12/639670_WK_Media_TopStories2025_images3-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/12/639670_WK_Media_TopStories2025_images3-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/12/639670_WK_Media_TopStories2025_images3-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/12/639670_WK_Media_TopStories2025_images3-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/12/639670_WK_Media_TopStories2025_images3-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/12/639670_WK_Media_TopStories2025_images3-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></p>\n
            <h3>Remembering Jane Goodall</h3>\n
            <p>In October, the world mourned the loss of conservation great <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/10/02/jane-goodall-africa-science-conservation-legacy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dr. Jane Goodall</a>, well-known for her work with chimpanzees in Tanzania.</p>\n
            <p>“Nobody had more patience than Jane Goodall, who would observe behavior in the wild for hours and hours,” Peter said.</p>\n
            <p>Through her observation, Goodall documented chimpanzees’ ability to use tools — a conservation breakthrough. Her work with chimps led to the creation of the Jane Goodall Institute and the Jane Goodall Legacy Foundation, which will carry on chimpanzee conservation and research for decades to come.</p>\n
            <p>“When I became a scientist, I realized Jane and I have a lot of parallels and in many ways, I’m walking in her footsteps,” Dr. Rae said. “She didn’t grow up in the wilderness. She knew it through magazines and books. That’s exactly how I grew up too.”</p>\n
            <p>Like Goodall, Dr. Rae first had the opportunity to go into the wilderness in her 20s, whereas many colleagues start earlier in life.</p>\n
            <p>“One of the reasons I feel comfortable is because I know I’m not alone,” Dr. Rae said. “It’s never too late to start. You can be different or nontraditional in this space like Jane was and still make major contributions to this field.”</p>\n
            <p>Watch the classic Wild Kingdom episode, “<a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/classic-episodes/chimpanzees-of-gombe-stream">Chimpanzees of Gombe Stream</a>,” to see Goodall’s work in action.</p>\n
            <h3><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4605 size-full" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/12/639670_WK_Media_TopStories2025_images4-scaled.jpg" alt="Peter Gros and Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant observing an animal enclosure while a camera operator films nearby." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/12/639670_WK_Media_TopStories2025_images4-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/12/639670_WK_Media_TopStories2025_images4-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/12/639670_WK_Media_TopStories2025_images4-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/12/639670_WK_Media_TopStories2025_images4-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/12/639670_WK_Media_TopStories2025_images4-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/12/639670_WK_Media_TopStories2025_images4-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/12/639670_WK_Media_TopStories2025_images4-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></h3>\n
            <h3>Pandas return to San Diego Zoo</h3>\n
            <p>Visitors to the San Diego Zoo rejoiced as pandas made their way back to the states, and Peter and Dr. Rae were some of the first to see them.</p>\n
            <p>“They’re such a charismatic species,” Peter said. “And although they’re big powerful bears chewing through three inches of bamboo like it’s a toothpick, we see them with sweet, cuddly, cute faces with big eyes that do need to be saved.”</p>\n
            <p>The pandas’ return to the San Diego Zoo as well as the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. helps bring more awareness to the conservation needs of this species.</p>\n
            <p>“With these animal ambassadors, <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/zoos-and-aquariums-key-to-conservation-success">when people visit</a> their attitudes are affected about the importance of saving pandas and the other animals that they see in the zoo,” Peter said.</p>\n
            <p>See the San Diego Zoo’s pandas in the Protecting the Wild episode “<a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/panda-monium">Panda-Monium!</a>”</p>\n
            <h3>Los Angeles wildfires</h3>\n
            <p>The tragic wildfires around Los Angeles caused many to lose their homes, businesses and community spaces. They also harmed the region’s wildlife. Though some species <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/how-instincts-help-wildlife-during-hurricanes">used instincts</a> to fly or run to escape in time, not every animal was able to.</p>\n
            <p>“The wildfires went on for so long that scientists were able to see that animals with GPS collars, for example, fleeing and leaving, but a lot of wild animals are unaccounted for,” Dr. Rae said.</p>\n
            <p>Wildfires aren’t uncommon in the wild and can have positive effects to nature by generating new growth and habitat for wildlife. However, the L.A. wildfires burned hotter than normal because of extreme drought.</p>\n
            <p>“When they’re burning hotter than what’s natural and spreading faster than what’s natural, that’s when we’re seeing this is a natural disaster due to human-made influences and there aren’t those ecosystem benefits,” Dr. Rae said.</p>\n
            <h3>Bald eagles born in Big Bear</h3>\n
            <p>Those watching a nest camera from Big Bear Valley, California, in March were in for a surprise as <a href="https://www.countryliving.com/life/inspirational-stories/a64052105/eaglets-hatch-on-california-nest-cam-after-2024-heartbreak/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">three bald eaglets arrived</a>. While any bald eagle birth is exciting due to the species’ history as a formerly endangered species, these three eaglets made headlines because of what their mother went through in 2024.</p>\n
            <p>Last year, viewers watched as the mother eagle protected her nest during a two-day snowstorm. Sadly, her chicks did not make it, making this year’s birth even more meaningful.</p>\n
            <p>“We all held our breath to see if they would actually hatch, which requires the parents to do a lot of heavy lifting to actually get the eggs incubated properly so they can hatch,” Dr. Rae said. “These eagle chicks not only hatched, but they fledged from the nest. We all felt like those parents especially deserved those wonderful births.”</p>\n
            <p>Watch the Protecting the Wild episode “<a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/rescue-rehab-and-release-clip">Rescue, Rehab and Release</a>” for another incredible bald eagle story.</p>\n
            <h3><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4606 size-full" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/12/639670_WK_Media_TopStories2025_images5-scaled.jpg" alt="A black bear surrounded by green foliage." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/12/639670_WK_Media_TopStories2025_images5-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/12/639670_WK_Media_TopStories2025_images5-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/12/639670_WK_Media_TopStories2025_images5-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/12/639670_WK_Media_TopStories2025_images5-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/12/639670_WK_Media_TopStories2025_images5-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/12/639670_WK_Media_TopStories2025_images5-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/12/639670_WK_Media_TopStories2025_images5-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></h3>\n
            <h3>Fat Bear Week</h3>\n
            <p>Each fall, Alaskan brown bears go head-to-head in fierce “competition” for Fat Bear Week. As the bears in Katmai National Park prepare for hibernation, they put on weight to help them sustain the winter season. Meanwhile, people fill out their brackets and vote to crown the fattest bear of the year.</p>\n
            <p>“Conservation is reaching more people that wouldn’t traditionally be included by saying, ‘Oh you know sports matchups? Well, I bet you could apply that to bears!’” Dr. Rae said. “I really like the idea of making it fun.”</p>\n
            <p>This year, 1.7 million people participated in Fat Bear Week voting with “Chunk” winning the contest, coming in at over 1,200 pounds.</p>\n
            <p><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/how-we-can-prepare-for-bear-hibernation">Learn why bears need to gain weight to prepare for hibernation.</a></p>\n
            <h3><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4607 size-full" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/12/639670_WK_Media_TopStories2025_images6-scaled.jpg" alt="A sea otter floating on its back in water covered with green aquatic plants." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/12/639670_WK_Media_TopStories2025_images6-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/12/639670_WK_Media_TopStories2025_images6-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/12/639670_WK_Media_TopStories2025_images6-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/12/639670_WK_Media_TopStories2025_images6-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/12/639670_WK_Media_TopStories2025_images6-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/12/639670_WK_Media_TopStories2025_images6-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/12/639670_WK_Media_TopStories2025_images6-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></h3>\n
            <h3>The surfboard-stealing otter</h3>\n
            <p>Surfers near Santa Cruz, California, had their boards stolen by an unlikely suspect — a sea otter! The wild otters climbed aboard surfboards looking for a place to land.</p>\n
            <p>“This one particular otter had no fear of people,” Peter said. “They burn a lot of energy, they have their young and they’re constantly swimming, so they need time to sun themselves and rest. They do it on top of kelp, on rocks and so why not do it on a surfboard?”</p>\n
            <p>Though it may be tempting to interact with the adorable wild sea otters, Peter says this story is a good reminder to stay back, even if wildlife seems “friendly.”</p>\n
            <p>“I think no matter where you are, there will be wildlife that becomes accustomed to people,” Peter said. “Just give them their distance and stay away. We’re having to learn to share habitat with them.”</p>\n
            <p>Watch the Protecting the Wild episode “<a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/secret-life-of-sea-otters-clip">Secret Life of Sea Otters</a>” to see these playful pups in the wild.</p>\n
            <h3>North Atlantic right whale population growing</h3>\n
            <p>The North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium reported that this whale species is up eight whales from last year. While this number may not seem like a big deal, it’s a huge conservation win. North Atlantic right whales are one of the world’s most endangered whales with only around 370 remaining in the wild. And with the ocean’s vast size, it can be difficult to monitor just how many whales there are.</p>\n
            <p>“Positive conservation stories exist, and we have a lot of reasons to be optimistic about the future,” Dr. Rae said.</p>\n
            <p>Dive into the world of the North Atlantic right whale in the Protecting the Wild episode “<a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/safe-passage-for-whales">Safe Passage for Whales</a>.”</p>\n
            <h3>Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing closer to opening</h3>\n
            <p>If you’re a fan of Protecting the Wild, you’ll remember talks of building the Wallis Anneberg Wildlife Crossing in the episode “<a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/urban-wildlife-clip">Urban Wildlife</a>.” The Southern California crossing will help bridge ecosystems so animals, such as cougars, can have larger habitats. The crossing is currently under construction over the 101 freeway.</p>\n
            <p>This fall, a group of individuals, including Dr. Rae, traveled to the crossing to spread seeds to help start the vegetation needed for the animals to use the crossing when it opens in 2026. The seeds spread were all those of native plants that have pollinated and produced in the region for thousands of years.</p>\n
            <p>“We planted the wildlife crossing which is a big step toward its opening,” Dr. Rae said. “It’ll be the largest wildlife crossing in the world!”</p>\n
            <p><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/what-p-22-taught-us-about-urban-wildlife">Learn more about the cougar who inspired the crossing, P-22</a>.</p>\n
            <h3><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4608 size-full" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/12/639670_WK_Media_TopStories2025_images7-scaled.jpg" alt="A person’s hands gently touching a large sea turtle in shallow water." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/12/639670_WK_Media_TopStories2025_images7-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/12/639670_WK_Media_TopStories2025_images7-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/12/639670_WK_Media_TopStories2025_images7-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/12/639670_WK_Media_TopStories2025_images7-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/12/639670_WK_Media_TopStories2025_images7-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/12/639670_WK_Media_TopStories2025_images7-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/12/639670_WK_Media_TopStories2025_images7-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></h3>\n
            <h3>Green sea turtles no longer endangered</h3>\n
            <p>Green sea turtles are moving their way down the endangered species list, going from endangered to least concern due to growing populations around the world. Scientists say this was all possible because of global conservation efforts.</p>\n
            <p>“We’re changing our attitudes and thoughts about how to deal with wildlife,” Peter said. “We’re protecting the habitat they need to survive. We can share this planet, we can share what is their habitat as well as ours, we just have to learn the best way to do it.”</p>\n
            <p>Watch “<a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/sea-creatures-of-the-florida-coast-clip">Sea Creatures of the Florida Coast</a>” to learn more about sea turtles.</p>\n
            <h3>Pupfish studies</h3>\n
            <p>Endangered Sonoyta pupfish found a new home in the University of Arizona’s Biosphere 2, allowing conservationists to study and hopefully boost the population. Wild Sonoyta pupfish live in springs, lakes and marshes in a desert climate.</p>\n
            <p>“The biodome is a completely controlled environment versus in the desert where you still get air pollution,” Peter said. “I’ll be interested in the comparison because these wild fish have somehow adapted to extreme climates. The data can be accumulated on changes they go through in a controlled environment versus an uncontrolled environment.”</p>\n
            <p>Learn about another pupfish in the episode “<a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/the-pupfish-of-death-valley">The Pupfish of Death Valley</a>.”</p>\n
            <p>&nbsp;</p>\n
            <p><em>Look back at the top wildlife stories of <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/wild-kingdoms-favorite-wildlife-stories-from-2024">2024</a> and <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/top-wildlife-stories-2023">2023</a> for more inspirational tales.</em></p>\n
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          "date" => "2025-12-15 11:09:30"
          "excerpt" => "<p>From new discoveries to conservation wins, there were many memorable wildlife tales in 2025. Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild Co-Hosts Peter Gros and Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant break down 10 of their favorite stories from the past year. 2025’s top wildlife stories Remembering Jane Goodall In October, the world mourned the loss of [&hellip;]</p>\n"
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            <p>Wildfires are a powerful force of nature. They can reshape landscapes around the world and cause a lot of destruction and devastation.</p>\n
            <p>And while wildfires in open, forested areas play a key role in restoring and reinvigorating the ecosystem, blazes that reach urban settings have brought more attention to fire prevention and fire management strategies.</p>\n
            <p>Learn more as <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/protecting-the-wild">Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild</a> Co-Hosts Peter Gros and Dr. Rae-Wynn Grant discuss the increasing occurrence of wildfires, including how wildlife adapt to these challenging conditions through remarkable survival strategies and resilience.</p>\n
            <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-4647" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/01/639673_WK_Media_WILDFIRES3-1024x401.jpg" alt="Remains of a burned down house. A lone brick chimney still stands with burned posts and house framing planks around it." width="1024" height="401" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/01/639673_WK_Media_WILDFIRES3-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/01/639673_WK_Media_WILDFIRES3-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/01/639673_WK_Media_WILDFIRES3-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/01/639673_WK_Media_WILDFIRES3-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/01/639673_WK_Media_WILDFIRES3-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/01/639673_WK_Media_WILDFIRES3-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></p>\n
            <h2>Heartbreaking scenes</h2>\n
            <p>The scenes from fire-stricken urban areas, such as those from the 2025 Southern California fires, are heartbreaking. Peter and Dr. Rae are both residents of California and know many people who were affected by the life-changing wildfires.</p>\n
            <p>“The personal loss was unimaginable,” Peter said. “Gradually homes will be rebuilt and lives will return to normal, but it takes time. I heard the same message from many people who lost their homes, ‘at least we were able to escape and we will somehow rebuild.’ But sadly, that’s not the case for everyone.”</p>\n
            <p>To help prevent future destructive fires in Southern California, officials plan to expand fire prevention efforts such as controlled burns, improved management of brush and undergrowth and increased community education about fire safety. These strategies aim to reduce wildfire risks and protect both residents and natural habitats.</p>\n
            <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-4649" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/01/639673_WK_Media_WILDFIRES5-1024x401.jpg" alt="A forest skyline with billowing smoke from a wildfire coming from the hills in the background." width="1024" height="401" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/01/639673_WK_Media_WILDFIRES5-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/01/639673_WK_Media_WILDFIRES5-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/01/639673_WK_Media_WILDFIRES5-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/01/639673_WK_Media_WILDFIRES5-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/01/639673_WK_Media_WILDFIRES5-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/01/639673_WK_Media_WILDFIRES5-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></p>\n
            <h2>Wildfires can help spur rebirth</h2>\n
            <p>When wildfires aren’t threatening towns or cities, they can be good for the environment. Because of the benefit to the ecosystem, regions in Canada and Alaska even have a policy to let fires burn if there isn’t a risk to populated areas.</p>\n
            <p>Naturally occurring wildfires bring renewal to nature by removing dead and decaying material that builds up over time. This allows for the growth of smaller plants that would otherwise be stunted by dense material on the ground and allows animals access to nutrients in the soil.</p>\n
            <p>“Many indigenous groups developed ways to sustainably use fire to manage landscapes for regeneration purposes,” Dr. Rae said.</p>\n
            <p>In more modern times, the 1988 wildfires in Yellowstone National Park, triggered by a lightning strike, show how an ecosystem can flourish after a fire.</p>\n
            <p>“When the forests started to regenerate, the wildlife returned. After the wildfire, beavers had new growth of softwood trees near rivers to build dams, elk and moose had leaves and twigs for nourishment and numerous other species had the invaluable cover they needed to survive,” Peter said. “Yellowstone’s natural rebirth became a symbol of nature’s cycle of recovery.”</p>\n
            <p>Read “<a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/beaver-conservation-in-the-pacific-northwest">Beaver Conservation in the Pacific Northwest</a>” to learn how conservationists are helping beavers in the Pacific Northwest reclaim an area following a 2014 fire that destroyed their habitat. Hint: they’re doing quite well.</p>\n
            <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-4648" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/01/639673_WK_Media_WILDFIRES4-1024x401.jpg" alt="A green and luscious forest scape with many trees and a blue sky." width="1024" height="401" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/01/639673_WK_Media_WILDFIRES4-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/01/639673_WK_Media_WILDFIRES4-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/01/639673_WK_Media_WILDFIRES4-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/01/639673_WK_Media_WILDFIRES4-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/01/639673_WK_Media_WILDFIRES4-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/01/639673_WK_Media_WILDFIRES4-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></p>\n
            <h3>Bountiful habitat is key for long-term success</h3>\n
            <p>When wildfires close in on wildlife, they have the same course of action as humans — flee the area. Some instinctively take cover in burrows or move to wetlands or bodies of water, while those with wings simply fly away from danger.</p>\n
            <p>Wildlife have survived and adapted for thousands of years in the face of wildfires. The key for a species’ success is bountiful habitat that allows them to not only survive but thrive. Due to wildfires, deforestation and other environmental factors, preserving natural habitats is more important than ever.</p>\n
            <p>“Because we’re seeing more wildfires today, habitats are being destroyed more often,“ Dr. Rae said. “And in a world where wildlife habitat is diminishing and becoming more fragmented, safe, abundant habitat is critical and can make all the difference in long-term survival of a species.”</p>\n
            <p>&nbsp;</p>\n
            <h3>How to help wildlife affected by wildfires</h3>\n
            <p>Many wild animals may pass through urban areas that aren’t experiencing natural disasters. If you spot a wild animal wandering into your area, don’t approach it, even it if seems injured. Dr. Rae suggests taking a photo of the animal from a safe distance and calling the local wildlife authorities or rescue center immediately with your location.</p>\n
            <p>&nbsp;</p>\n
            <p>Watch the Mutual of Omaha’s Protecting the Wild episode “<a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/watch-bear-cub-rescue-now">Bear Cub Rescue</a>” to see the amazing story of two bear cubs that were saved and rehabilitated after wildfires raged through the Pacific Northwest. Also, read a <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/behind-the-scenes-of-the-bear-cubs-episode-protecting-the-wild">behind-the-scenes story</a> on how this episode came to life.</p>\n
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            <p><span data-contrast="auto">It takes a community to protect wildlife, something Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom and </span><a href="https://nwf.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-contrast="none">National Wildlife Federation</span></a><span data-contrast="auto"> know well. The two teamed up once again for the 2025 </span><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/wild-kingdom-college-and-university-grant-program"><span data-contrast="none">EcoLeaders® college and university grants</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">, which support the next generation of conservationists who are working to help protect and/or restore wildlife and/or their habitats.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
            <p><span data-contrast="auto">2025’s recipients built bat and bird boxes, identified habitat for endangered species, removed invasive plants, monitored wildlife activity and released animals back to the wild. In the process they helped little brown bats, Eastern blue birds, San Joaquin kit foxes, brown-headed nuthatches, red-headed woodpeckers, Eastern rat snakes, gopher tortoises and freshwater mussels.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
            <p><span data-contrast="auto">Wild Kingdom and National Wildlife Federation’s grant supported the following seven colleges and universities for 2025:</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
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            <li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="8" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Allegheny College in Pennsylvania</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>\n
            </ul>\n
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            <li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="9" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">California State University Bakersfield</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>\n
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            <li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="10" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Georgia State University Perimeter College</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>\n
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            <li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="11" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Kentucky State University</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>\n
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            <li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="12" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Smith College in Massachusetts</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>\n
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            <li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="13" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">University of South Florida</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>\n
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            <li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="14" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">University of Tennessee</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>\n
            </ul>\n
            <p><span data-contrast="auto">Learn more about how each school helped protect wildlife through their projects.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
            <h2><span data-contrast="auto">2025 grant recipient projects</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h2>\n
            <h3><span data-contrast="auto">Little brown bat, Eastern bluebird</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h3>\n
            <h4><span data-contrast="auto">Allegheny College</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h4>\n
            <p><span data-contrast="auto">Songbirds in Pennsylvania, rejoice! Allegheny College built and installed 20 pine bird boxes across its campus to attract at least four native cavity-nesting songbirds: black-capped chickadees, Eastern bluebirds, house wrens and tree swallows. The team also installed boxes to protect habitat for endangered Northern long-eared bats and threatened little brown bats.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
            <p><span data-contrast="auto">In addition, the team created a perennial native flower landscape which provides habitat and shows a sustainable alternative to a typical lawn. They planted three species of live plants, one species of bare root plant and 14 species of seeded plants.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
            <h3><span data-contrast="auto">San Joaquin kit fox</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h3>\n
            <h4><span data-contrast="auto">California State University Bakersfield</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h4>\n
            <p><span data-contrast="auto">Protecting habitat is a critical part of protecting species. San Joaquin kit foxes are endangered, so the team at California State University Bakersfield conducted research to figure out the fox’s habitat. First, they collected 221 scat samples and extracted DNA to help identify which mammals the scat belonged to. Through this research, the team found five hot spot sites for the foxes.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
            <p><span data-contrast="auto">This data was then used for a campus habitat conservation plan to preserve denning and hunting grounds for the foxes. This noninvasive plan was proposed to the City of Bakersfield to help protect the foxes and other endangered species.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
            <h3><span data-contrast="auto">Brown-headed nuthatch</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h3>\n
            <h4><span data-contrast="auto">Georgia State University Perimeter College</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h4>\n
            <p><span data-contrast="auto">As a species of concern, the brown-headed nuthatch needs help from conservationists. The team at Georgia State University Perimeter College answered the call by building and installing 130 nest boxes across the campus as well as partner sites in the area. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
            <p><span data-contrast="auto">The team also created 30 educational signs and engaged students in hands-on lab and field activities. This spring, the team will begin data collection during the bird’s nesting season.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
            <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-4745" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/04/645494_WK_NWFArticle_social_Page_4.jpg" alt="A group poses near a sign recognizing 25 years of wildlife protection, with an inset image showing a nest with young birds resting inside." width="1500" height="588" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/04/645494_WK_NWFArticle_social_Page_4.jpg 1500w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/04/645494_WK_NWFArticle_social_Page_4-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/04/645494_WK_NWFArticle_social_Page_4-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/04/645494_WK_NWFArticle_social_Page_4-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/04/645494_WK_NWFArticle_social_Page_4-768x301.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></p>\n
            <h3><span data-contrast="auto">Red-headed woodpecker</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h3>\n
            <h4><span data-contrast="auto">Kentucky State University</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h4>\n
            <p><span data-contrast="auto">Supporting the red-headed woodpecker (a species of conservation concern) started with building and installing three nest boxes, but the project didn’t end there. Kentucky State University’s students and staff also removed invasive shrubs and sprayed invasive wineberry. These steps are key to habitat management and restoration.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
            <p><span data-contrast="auto">Finally, the team hosted invasive species removal days called Woodland Wednesdays and community nest box building workshops with KSU’s Environmental Education and Research Center. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
            <h3><span data-contrast="auto">Eastern rat snake</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h3>\n
            <h4><span data-contrast="auto">Smith College</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h4>\n
            <p><span data-contrast="auto">As a tree snake, the Eastern rat snake needs woody habitat to survive. Smith College’s project focused on habitat restoration through invasive plant species removal. The team removed five acres of invasive vegetation. They then planted over 100 native trees and shrubs and spread native grassland seed over two acres.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
            <p><span data-contrast="auto">Finally, the team built a snake hibernaculum, or refuge to help both Eastern rat and other snake species. The techniques used in this project were documented to be applied for future restoration efforts in the area.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
            <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-4744" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/04/645494_WK_NWFArticle_social_Page_3.jpg" alt="A person kneels outdoors while planting vegetation, alongside a close-up inset of hands tying a labeled tag to a newly planted sapling." width="1860" height="729" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/04/645494_WK_NWFArticle_social_Page_3.jpg 1860w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/04/645494_WK_NWFArticle_social_Page_3-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/04/645494_WK_NWFArticle_social_Page_3-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/04/645494_WK_NWFArticle_social_Page_3-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/04/645494_WK_NWFArticle_social_Page_3-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/04/645494_WK_NWFArticle_social_Page_3-1536x602.jpg 1536w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1860px) 100vw, 1860px" /></p>\n
            <h3><span data-contrast="auto">Gopher tortoise</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h3>\n
            <h4><span data-contrast="auto">University of South Florida</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h4>\n
            <p><span data-contrast="auto">As the Bull’s Nature Trail Boardwalk is being built in Florida, the team at University of South Florida is ensuring its construction doesn’t impact gopher tortoise habitat. To do this, they installed four trail cameras which showed how the area is a corridor for many animals, but not the gopher tortoise. This is great news because it confirms the trail placement won’t harm tortoise habitat.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
            <p><span data-contrast="auto">The team also used a positioning tool to map out existing gopher tortoise burrows to ensure the boardwalk project won’t have any impact on the gopher tortoise. A preliminary report was taken and the team continues to monitor it today.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
            <h3><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-4746" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/04/645494_WK_NWFArticle_social_Page_5-scaled.jpg" alt="A trail camera image shows a deer in green woodland vegetation, next to a photo of two field researchers standing on a dirt path with surveying equipment in a natural area." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/04/645494_WK_NWFArticle_social_Page_5-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/04/645494_WK_NWFArticle_social_Page_5-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/04/645494_WK_NWFArticle_social_Page_5-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/04/645494_WK_NWFArticle_social_Page_5-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/04/645494_WK_NWFArticle_social_Page_5-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/04/645494_WK_NWFArticle_social_Page_5-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/04/645494_WK_NWFArticle_social_Page_5-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></h3>\n
            <h3><span data-contrast="auto">Freshwater mussels</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h3>\n
            <h4><span data-contrast="auto">University of Tennessee</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h4>\n
            <p><span data-contrast="auto">As the freshwater mussel population is affected by human activity in Tennessee, conservationists are actively trying to restore this native species. University of Tennessee students and staff fit 80 propagated freshwater mussels with VHF radio transmitters. These transmitters help the team track and monitor mussel activity to inform conservation action.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
            <p><span data-contrast="auto">The team released the mussels into the river and then monitored mussel activity. As of January 2026, all mussels have survived and will continue to be tracked for six months. The team also created an identification guide for community awareness and held a workshop about mussel conservation.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
            <p><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
            <p><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/wild-kingdom-grant-helps-colleges-protect-wildlife"><span data-contrast="none">Discover the 2024 EcoLeaders® grant recipients</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
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          "date" => "2026-04-15 17:00:13"
          "excerpt" => "<p>It takes a community to protect wildlife, something Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom and National Wildlife Federation know well. The two teamed up once again for the 2025 EcoLeaders® college and university grants, which support the next generation of conservationists who are working to help protect and/or restore wildlife and/or their habitats.  2025’s recipients built bat and bird boxes, identified habitat for endangered species, removed invasive plants, monitored wildlife activity and released [&hellip;]</p>\n"
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    "content" => """
      <p><span data-contrast="auto">Whether you remember the <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/classic-episodes">original Wild Kingdom</a> show, are a fan of our <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/protecting-the-wild">new Protecting the Wild series</a> or are experiencing the brand through our website and social media channels, you’re part of a generation of people who have developed a strong connection to Wild Kingdom and Mutual of Omaha during the past 60 years. </span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}"> </span></p>\n
      <p><span data-contrast="auto">Show your fandom with some <a href="https://store.ideal-images.com/moo_wild_kingdom" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wild Kingdom merchandise</a></span><span data-contrast="auto"> available through our online store. </span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}"> </span></p>\n
      <p>Here&#8217;s a peek at what&#8217;s available.</p>\n
      <h3>Wild Kingdom t-shirts</h3>\n
      <p>Adult t-shirts are available in sizes small to 4X.</p>\n
      <p><strong>Fabric: </strong></p>\n
      <ul>\n
      <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">4.2 oz., 52% airlume combed and ringspun cotton, 48% polyester, 32 singles.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}"> </span></li>\n
      <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Prism Colors: 99% airlume combed and ring-spun cotton, 1% polyester.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}"> </span></li>\n
      </ul>\n
      <p><strong>Feature: </strong></p>\n
      <ul>\n
      <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Retail fit</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}"> </span></li>\n
      <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="4" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Unisex sizing</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}"> </span></li>\n
      <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="5" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Shoulder taping</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}"> </span></li>\n
      <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="6" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Sideseamed</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}"> </span></li>\n
      <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="6" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Tear away label</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}"> </span></li>\n
      <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="6" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Pre-shrunk</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}"> </span></li>\n
      </ul>\n
      <p><i><span data-contrast="auto">BELLA+CANVAS uses sustainable manufacturing processes with Blue Sign certified dyes, efficient dye houses that adhere to the state of California’s EPA regulations around waste water treatment and usage, and cutting facilities in Los Angeles that run on partial solar power with comprehensive recycling programs for paper waste and fabric scrap.</span></i><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}"> </span></p>\n
      <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2698" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/11/tshirt-colors-lion-1024x508.jpg" alt="two wild kingdom tshirts" width="1024" height="508" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/11/tshirt-colors-lion-1024x508.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/11/tshirt-colors-lion-300x149.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/11/tshirt-colors-lion-150x74.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/11/tshirt-colors-lion-768x381.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/11/tshirt-colors-lion-1536x761.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/11/tshirt-colors-lion.jpg 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></p>\n
      <p><a class="Hyperlink SCXW229929580 BCX0" href="https://store.ideal-images.com/moo_wild_kingdom/shop/product-detail/1085518" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><span class="TextRun Underlined SCXW229929580 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW229929580 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">Wild Kingdom lion t-shirt</span></span></a><span class="TextRun SCXW229929580 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW229929580 BCX0"> – </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW229929580 BCX0">Show your Wild Kingdom pride with this </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW229929580 BCX0">lion </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW229929580 BCX0">t-shirt, a</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW229929580 BCX0">vailable in </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW229929580 BCX0">navy heather and black.</span></span></p>\n
      <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2699" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/11/tshirt-colors-plants-1024x508.jpg" alt="three wild kingdom t-shirts" width="1024" height="508" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/11/tshirt-colors-plants-1024x508.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/11/tshirt-colors-plants-300x149.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/11/tshirt-colors-plants-150x74.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/11/tshirt-colors-plants-768x381.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/11/tshirt-colors-plants-1536x761.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/11/tshirt-colors-plants.jpg 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></p>\n
      <p><a class="Hyperlink SCXW133572455 BCX0" href="https://store.ideal-images.com/moo_wild_kingdom/shop/product-detail/1085517" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><span class="TextRun Underlined SCXW133572455 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW133572455 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">Wild Kingdom plant t-shirt</span></span></a> <span class="TextRun SCXW133572455 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW133572455 BCX0">–</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW133572455 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"> <span class="NormalTextRun SCXW133572455 BCX0">It’s</span> <span class="NormalTextRun SCXW133572455 BCX0">a jungle out there and</span> <span class="NormalTextRun SCXW133572455 BCX0">you’l</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW133572455 BCX0">l</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW133572455 BCX0"> fit right in with this </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW133572455 BCX0">plant </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW133572455 BCX0">t</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW133572455 BCX0">-shirt</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW133572455 BCX0">,</span> <span class="NormalTextRun SCXW133572455 BCX0">a</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW133572455 BCX0">vailable </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW133572455 BCX0">in </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW133572455 BCX0">h</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW133572455 BCX0">eather slate, </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW133572455 BCX0">h</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW133572455 BCX0">eather</span> <span class="NormalTextRun SCXW133572455 BCX0">sag</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW133572455 BCX0">e</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW133572455 BCX0"> and </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW133572455 BCX0">h</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW133572455 BCX0">eather stone</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW133572455 BCX0">.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW133572455 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}"> </span></p>\n
      <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2700" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/11/tshirt-colors-animals-1024x508.jpg" alt="three wild kingdom tshirts" width="1024" height="508" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/11/tshirt-colors-animals-1024x508.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/11/tshirt-colors-animals-300x149.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/11/tshirt-colors-animals-150x74.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/11/tshirt-colors-animals-768x381.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/11/tshirt-colors-animals-1536x761.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/11/tshirt-colors-animals.jpg 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></p>\n
      <p><a class="Hyperlink SCXW133864863 BCX0" href="https://store.ideal-images.com/moo_wild_kingdom/shop/product-detail/1085516" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><span class="TextRun Underlined SCXW133864863 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW133864863 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">Wild Kingdom animal </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW133864863 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">t</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW133864863 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">-shirt</span></span></a><span class="TextRun SCXW133864863 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"> <span class="TextRun SCXW133572455 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW133572455 BCX0">–</span></span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW133864863 BCX0"> </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW133864863 BCX0">Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!</span> <span class="NormalTextRun SCXW133864863 BCX0">This </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW133864863 BCX0">t</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW133864863 BCX0">-shirt featuring some of your favorite animals </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW133864863 BCX0">is</span> <span class="NormalTextRun SCXW133864863 BCX0">a</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW133864863 BCX0">vailable in </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW133864863 BCX0">h</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW133864863 BCX0">eather stone, </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW133864863 BCX0">h</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW133864863 BCX0">eather </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW133864863 BCX0">slate</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW133864863 BCX0"> and </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW133864863 BCX0">h</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW133864863 BCX0">eather sage</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW133864863 BCX0">.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW133864863 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}"> </span></p>\n
      <h3>Youth and infant options</h3>\n
      <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-2685 size-large" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/11/tshirt-youth-1024x508.jpg" alt="orange wild kingdom tshirt" width="1024" height="508" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/11/tshirt-youth-1024x508.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/11/tshirt-youth-300x149.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/11/tshirt-youth-150x74.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/11/tshirt-youth-768x381.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/11/tshirt-youth-1536x761.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/11/tshirt-youth.jpg 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></p>\n
      <p><a class="Hyperlink SCXW241053329 BCX0" href="https://store.ideal-images.com/moo_wild_kingdom/shop/product-detail/1086975" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><span class="TextRun Underlined SCXW241053329 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW241053329 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">W</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW241053329 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">ild </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW241053329 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">K</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW241053329 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">ingdom</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW241053329 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink"> youth </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW241053329 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">t</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW241053329 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">-shirt</span></span></a><span class="TextRun SCXW241053329 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW241053329 BCX0"> <span class="TextRun SCXW133572455 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW133572455 BCX0">–</span></span> </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW241053329 BCX0">Your young adventurer will stand out in the crowd with </span><span class="NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed SCXW241053329 BCX0">this </span><span class="NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed SCXW241053329 BCX0">t</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW241053329 BCX0">-shirt. </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW241053329 BCX0">Available in orange and in sizes youth x-small to XL</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW241053329 BCX0">.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW241053329 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}"> </span></p>\n
      <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4121 size-full" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/11/Original.png" alt="orange onesie" width="1024" height="508" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/11/Original.png 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/11/Original-300x149.png 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/11/Original-150x74.png 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/11/Original-768x381.png 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></p>\n
      <p><a href="https://store.ideal-images.com/moo_wild_kingdom/shop/product-detail/1086974" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-contrast="none">Wild Kingdom infant onesie &#8211; 12 months</span></a><span data-contrast="auto"> – A perfect introduction to the Wild Kingdom for your littlest explorer! Available in orange with these features:</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}"> </span></p>\n
      <ul>\n
      <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559682&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">4.5 oz. (US) 8.3 oz (CA), 100% combed ringspun cotton fine jersey</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}"> </span></li>\n
      <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559682&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Sewn with 100% cotton thread</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}"> </span></li>\n
      <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559682&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Flatlock-stitched seams</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}"> </span></li>\n
      <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559682&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="4" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Double needle stitched ribbed binding on lap shoulder neck, shoulders, sleeves and leg opening</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}"> </span></li>\n
      <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559682&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="5" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Innovative three-snap closure</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}"> </span></li>\n
      <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559682&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="6" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Side seam construction</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}"> </span></li>\n
      <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559682&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="7" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">CPSIA compliant tracking label in side seam</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}"> </span></li>\n
      <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559682&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="8" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">EasyTear™ label</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}"> </span></li>\n
      </ul>\n
      <h3>Accessories and other Wild Kingdom merchandise</h3>\n
      <ul>\n
      <li><a href="https://store.ideal-images.com/moo_wild_kingdom/shop/product-detail/1085515" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Carhartt canvas mesh back cap</a></li>\n
      <li><a href="https://store.ideal-images.com/moo_wild_kingdom/shop/product-detail/1085514" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wild Kingdom recycled journal</a></li>\n
      <li><a href="https://store.ideal-images.com/moo_wild_kingdom/shop/product-detail/1085697" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wild Kingdom bamboo pen</a></li>\n
      <li><a href="https://store.ideal-images.com/moo_wild_kingdom/shop/product-detail/1085513" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wild Kingdom reusable grocery tote</a></li>\n
      <li><a href="https://store.ideal-images.com/moo_wild_kingdom/shop/product-detail/1085512" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wild Kingdom steel campfire mug</a></li>\n
      <li><a href="https://store.ideal-images.com/moo_wild_kingdom/shop/product-detail/1085511" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wild Kingdom wall calendar</a></li>\n
      <li><a href="https://store.ideal-images.com/moo_wild_kingdom/shop/product-detail/1086973" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wild Kingdom stickers</a></li>\n
      </ul>\n
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          <p><span data-contrast="auto">It takes a community to protect wildlife, something Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom and </span><a href="https://nwf.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-contrast="none">National Wildlife Federation</span></a><span data-contrast="auto"> know well. The two teamed up once again for the 2025 </span><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/wild-kingdom-college-and-university-grant-program"><span data-contrast="none">EcoLeaders® college and university grants</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">, which support the next generation of conservationists who are working to help protect and/or restore wildlife and/or their habitats.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
          <p><span data-contrast="auto">2025’s recipients built bat and bird boxes, identified habitat for endangered species, removed invasive plants, monitored wildlife activity and released animals back to the wild. In the process they helped little brown bats, Eastern blue birds, San Joaquin kit foxes, brown-headed nuthatches, red-headed woodpeckers, Eastern rat snakes, gopher tortoises and freshwater mussels.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
          <p><span data-contrast="auto">Wild Kingdom and National Wildlife Federation’s grant supported the following seven colleges and universities for 2025:</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
          <ul>\n
          <li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="8" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Allegheny College in Pennsylvania</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>\n
          </ul>\n
          <ul>\n
          <li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="9" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">California State University Bakersfield</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>\n
          </ul>\n
          <ul>\n
          <li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="10" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Georgia State University Perimeter College</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>\n
          </ul>\n
          <ul>\n
          <li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="11" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Kentucky State University</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>\n
          </ul>\n
          <ul>\n
          <li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="12" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Smith College in Massachusetts</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>\n
          </ul>\n
          <ul>\n
          <li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="13" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">University of South Florida</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>\n
          </ul>\n
          <ul>\n
          <li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="14" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">University of Tennessee</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>\n
          </ul>\n
          <p><span data-contrast="auto">Learn more about how each school helped protect wildlife through their projects.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
          <h2><span data-contrast="auto">2025 grant recipient projects</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h2>\n
          <h3><span data-contrast="auto">Little brown bat, Eastern bluebird</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h3>\n
          <h4><span data-contrast="auto">Allegheny College</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h4>\n
          <p><span data-contrast="auto">Songbirds in Pennsylvania, rejoice! Allegheny College built and installed 20 pine bird boxes across its campus to attract at least four native cavity-nesting songbirds: black-capped chickadees, Eastern bluebirds, house wrens and tree swallows. The team also installed boxes to protect habitat for endangered Northern long-eared bats and threatened little brown bats.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
          <p><span data-contrast="auto">In addition, the team created a perennial native flower landscape which provides habitat and shows a sustainable alternative to a typical lawn. They planted three species of live plants, one species of bare root plant and 14 species of seeded plants.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
          <h3><span data-contrast="auto">San Joaquin kit fox</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h3>\n
          <h4><span data-contrast="auto">California State University Bakersfield</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h4>\n
          <p><span data-contrast="auto">Protecting habitat is a critical part of protecting species. San Joaquin kit foxes are endangered, so the team at California State University Bakersfield conducted research to figure out the fox’s habitat. First, they collected 221 scat samples and extracted DNA to help identify which mammals the scat belonged to. Through this research, the team found five hot spot sites for the foxes.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
          <p><span data-contrast="auto">This data was then used for a campus habitat conservation plan to preserve denning and hunting grounds for the foxes. This noninvasive plan was proposed to the City of Bakersfield to help protect the foxes and other endangered species.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
          <h3><span data-contrast="auto">Brown-headed nuthatch</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h3>\n
          <h4><span data-contrast="auto">Georgia State University Perimeter College</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h4>\n
          <p><span data-contrast="auto">As a species of concern, the brown-headed nuthatch needs help from conservationists. The team at Georgia State University Perimeter College answered the call by building and installing 130 nest boxes across the campus as well as partner sites in the area. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
          <p><span data-contrast="auto">The team also created 30 educational signs and engaged students in hands-on lab and field activities. This spring, the team will begin data collection during the bird’s nesting season.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
          <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-4745" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/04/645494_WK_NWFArticle_social_Page_4.jpg" alt="A group poses near a sign recognizing 25 years of wildlife protection, with an inset image showing a nest with young birds resting inside." width="1500" height="588" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/04/645494_WK_NWFArticle_social_Page_4.jpg 1500w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/04/645494_WK_NWFArticle_social_Page_4-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/04/645494_WK_NWFArticle_social_Page_4-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/04/645494_WK_NWFArticle_social_Page_4-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/04/645494_WK_NWFArticle_social_Page_4-768x301.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></p>\n
          <h3><span data-contrast="auto">Red-headed woodpecker</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h3>\n
          <h4><span data-contrast="auto">Kentucky State University</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h4>\n
          <p><span data-contrast="auto">Supporting the red-headed woodpecker (a species of conservation concern) started with building and installing three nest boxes, but the project didn’t end there. Kentucky State University’s students and staff also removed invasive shrubs and sprayed invasive wineberry. These steps are key to habitat management and restoration.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
          <p><span data-contrast="auto">Finally, the team hosted invasive species removal days called Woodland Wednesdays and community nest box building workshops with KSU’s Environmental Education and Research Center. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
          <h3><span data-contrast="auto">Eastern rat snake</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h3>\n
          <h4><span data-contrast="auto">Smith College</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h4>\n
          <p><span data-contrast="auto">As a tree snake, the Eastern rat snake needs woody habitat to survive. Smith College’s project focused on habitat restoration through invasive plant species removal. The team removed five acres of invasive vegetation. They then planted over 100 native trees and shrubs and spread native grassland seed over two acres.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
          <p><span data-contrast="auto">Finally, the team built a snake hibernaculum, or refuge to help both Eastern rat and other snake species. The techniques used in this project were documented to be applied for future restoration efforts in the area.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
          <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-4744" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/04/645494_WK_NWFArticle_social_Page_3.jpg" alt="A person kneels outdoors while planting vegetation, alongside a close-up inset of hands tying a labeled tag to a newly planted sapling." width="1860" height="729" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/04/645494_WK_NWFArticle_social_Page_3.jpg 1860w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/04/645494_WK_NWFArticle_social_Page_3-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/04/645494_WK_NWFArticle_social_Page_3-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/04/645494_WK_NWFArticle_social_Page_3-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/04/645494_WK_NWFArticle_social_Page_3-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/04/645494_WK_NWFArticle_social_Page_3-1536x602.jpg 1536w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1860px) 100vw, 1860px" /></p>\n
          <h3><span data-contrast="auto">Gopher tortoise</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h3>\n
          <h4><span data-contrast="auto">University of South Florida</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h4>\n
          <p><span data-contrast="auto">As the Bull’s Nature Trail Boardwalk is being built in Florida, the team at University of South Florida is ensuring its construction doesn’t impact gopher tortoise habitat. To do this, they installed four trail cameras which showed how the area is a corridor for many animals, but not the gopher tortoise. This is great news because it confirms the trail placement won’t harm tortoise habitat.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
          <p><span data-contrast="auto">The team also used a positioning tool to map out existing gopher tortoise burrows to ensure the boardwalk project won’t have any impact on the gopher tortoise. A preliminary report was taken and the team continues to monitor it today.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
          <h3><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-4746" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/04/645494_WK_NWFArticle_social_Page_5-scaled.jpg" alt="A trail camera image shows a deer in green woodland vegetation, next to a photo of two field researchers standing on a dirt path with surveying equipment in a natural area." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/04/645494_WK_NWFArticle_social_Page_5-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/04/645494_WK_NWFArticle_social_Page_5-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/04/645494_WK_NWFArticle_social_Page_5-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/04/645494_WK_NWFArticle_social_Page_5-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/04/645494_WK_NWFArticle_social_Page_5-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/04/645494_WK_NWFArticle_social_Page_5-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/04/645494_WK_NWFArticle_social_Page_5-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></h3>\n
          <h3><span data-contrast="auto">Freshwater mussels</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h3>\n
          <h4><span data-contrast="auto">University of Tennessee</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h4>\n
          <p><span data-contrast="auto">As the freshwater mussel population is affected by human activity in Tennessee, conservationists are actively trying to restore this native species. University of Tennessee students and staff fit 80 propagated freshwater mussels with VHF radio transmitters. These transmitters help the team track and monitor mussel activity to inform conservation action.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
          <p><span data-contrast="auto">The team released the mussels into the river and then monitored mussel activity. As of January 2026, all mussels have survived and will continue to be tracked for six months. The team also created an identification guide for community awareness and held a workshop about mussel conservation.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
          <p><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
          <p><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/wild-kingdom-grant-helps-colleges-protect-wildlife"><span data-contrast="none">Discover the 2024 EcoLeaders® grant recipients</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
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        "excerpt" => "<p>It takes a community to protect wildlife, something Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom and National Wildlife Federation know well. The two teamed up once again for the 2025 EcoLeaders® college and university grants, which support the next generation of conservationists who are working to help protect and/or restore wildlife and/or their habitats.  2025’s recipients built bat and bird boxes, identified habitat for endangered species, removed invasive plants, monitored wildlife activity and released [&hellip;]</p>\n"
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          <p><span data-contrast="auto">Even the world’s largest animals need help from conservationists.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
          <p><span data-contrast="auto">Peter and Dr. Rae share an inspiring tale of resilience and renewal among two of the ocean’s greatest giants. In the Puget Sound, Peter witnesses firsthand the urgent struggle of resident orcas — one of Earth’s most formidable predators — facing a critical threat to survival. Later, the journey continues in a remote lagoon in Mexico’s coastal desert, where gray whales, once driven to near extinction by whaling, have staged an extraordinary comeback. Here, in a wild nursery, mothers and calves offer a rare and heartwarming glimpse of trust as they interact with humans.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
          <p><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/wild-kingdom-films-in-northwest-u-s-canada"><span data-contrast="none">Learn what it was like to film orcas</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">. Then, check out more whale tales by watching “</span><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/following-the-whale-trail"><span data-contrast="none">Following the Whale Trail</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">” and “</span><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/art-science-to-save-the-sea"><span data-contrast="none">Art &amp; Science to Save the Sea</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">”</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
          <p><span data-contrast="auto">Stream <a href="https://www.nbc.com/mutual-of-omahas-wild-kingdom-protecting-the-wild/video/whale-watch/9000457414" target="_blank" rel="noopener">“Whale Watch” on NBC.com</a> or the NBC app.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
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              0:04\r\n
              The Baja California peninsula in Mexico, a land of dramatic contrasts where rugged desert spills into the turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean.\r\n
              \r\n
              0:14\r\n
              This is a pretty cool way to see this part of Mexico.\r\n
              \r\n
              0:19\r\n
              We're flying into the El Biscayeno Biosphere Reserve, the largest Wildlife Refuge in Latin America.\r\n
              \r\n
              0:26\r\n
              We're getting pretty close in this tiny little plane, and I think within like a couple of hours, you and me will be on a boat looking for some baby whales.\r\n
              \r\n
              0:37\r\n
              That's right, baby whales.\r\n
              \r\n
              0:40\r\n
              Just beyond this dusty landing strip is a unique lagoon, a critical habitat for a diverse array of marine mammals, sea turtles and birds, and one of only three places on Earth where eastern Pacific Gray whales come to give birth.\r\n
              \r\n
              0:58\r\n
              We are in the San Ignacio Lagoon in Baja California, Sir, Mexico, and we traveled here, but we're looking for gray whales who traveled here from even further of a distance all the way from Alaska down through the Pacific right to this lagoon in order to give birth to their calves.\r\n
              \r\n
              1:16\r\n
              The main feature that we believe is the most attractive to the whales is the fact they're protected waters into the lagoons, guarded by barrier and sand islands, which cut down on the surf and the currents and also keeps the predators out.\r\n
              \r\n
              1:27\r\n
              Their number one predator of the orca is right outside, but they rarely come into the lagoons.\r\n
              \r\n
              1:32\r\n
              We boarded small boats called Panga alongside Carlos Ghana, a wildlife videographer who works with the gray whale researchers here at the reserve.\r\n
              \r\n
              1:43\r\n
              How far do we have to travel to get to the whales?\r\n
              \r\n
              1:46\r\n
              It's about 25 minutes from here to the observation area.\r\n
              \r\n
              1:50\r\n
              This whole place is a biosphere and there's only a designated area where you can interact with the whales if they choose us to engage.\r\n
              \r\n
              1:59\r\n
              Do you think the whales have learned this is a protected area?\r\n
              \r\n
              2:03\r\n
              I'd like to think so.\r\n
              \r\n
              2:04\r\n
              You'll see they come to you on their own accord.\r\n
              \r\n
              2:07\r\n
              All right, Carlos.\r\n
              \r\n
              2:09\r\n
              So I'm really curious if they bring their babies, their newborn babies to oh, right as interrupted by the whale.\r\n
              \r\n
              2:23\r\n
              Look at the size of this whale, a spy hop, spy hop right there, right there, right there.\r\n
              \r\n
              2:29\r\n
              He's staying up.\r\n
              \r\n
              2:30\r\n
              He's just holding himself in place.\r\n
              \r\n
              2:34\r\n
              Spy hop means when they break the water surface and look around or nearly as they're migrating up the coast and back, they use it for location to see where they are.\r\n
              \r\n
              2:42\r\n
              All on the coast, right?\r\n
              \r\n
              2:44\r\n
              The eastern Pacific Gray whale was haunted nearly to extinction from the mid 1800s to early 1900s, but today they are no longer endangered.\r\n
              \r\n
              2:54\r\n
              Whales were haunted primarily for their oil.\r\n
              \r\n
              2:57\r\n
              This is pre petroleum civilization.\r\n
              \r\n
              3:00\r\n
              The oil was used for lighting, was used for making candles, was used for industrial purposes due to the discovery of petroleum which made whale oil less useful, protection by international whaling bands and the conservation of sanctuaries like this one.\r\n
              \r\n
              3:16\r\n
              This resilient species has made an incredible recovery.\r\n
              \r\n
              3:20\r\n
              There's no one chasing them, there's no one harassing them, so the boats are not a threat.\r\n
              \r\n
              3:23\r\n
              The last time whales were killed here by commercial whalers was over 100 years ago, and they don't live to be that long.\r\n
              \r\n
              3:29\r\n
              So we think we have a generation of whales here that are not intimidated by small boats.\r\n
              \r\n
              3:35\r\n
              We're just floating here.\r\n
              \r\n
              3:37\r\n
              And when a whale decides there's one right there.\r\n
              \r\n
              3:41\r\n
              If that whale decides, you know what, I want to go hang out with them, it's going to be line to us.\r\n
              \r\n
              3:46\r\n
              Right.\r\n
              \r\n
              3:46\r\n
              And let us engage.\r\n
              \r\n
              3:47\r\n
              Yeah.\r\n
              \r\n
              3:48\r\n
              We're not chasing.\r\n
              \r\n
              3:49\r\n
              I call it being kind of right here.\r\n
              \r\n
              3:53\r\n
              Look at this one.\r\n
              \r\n
              4:02\r\n
              Wow, look at that.\r\n
              \r\n
              4:06\r\n
              Look at that.\r\n
              \r\n
              4:07\r\n
              Oh, hello, nice to meet you.\r\n
              \r\n
              4:08\r\n
              Wow, we just had a face fall.\r\n
              \r\n
              4:13\r\n
              Wow, what an experience.\r\n
              \r\n
              4:15\r\n
              My gosh, No way.\r\n
              \r\n
              4:19\r\n
              It was soft.\r\n
              \r\n
              4:20\r\n
              It was a little slick, a little, and it came and pushed back up.\r\n
              \r\n
              4:25\r\n
              We've been near other species of whales before where it's important not to touch.\r\n
              \r\n
              4:30\r\n
              But this species of gray whales, and in this lagoon, research says that it's actually totally fine as long as they come to you and rise up next to into your hand.\r\n
              \r\n
              4:40\r\n
              I mean, that tells me they want to do it.\r\n
              """
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        "excerpt" => "<p>Even the world’s largest animals need help from conservationists.  Peter and Dr. Rae share an inspiring tale of resilience and renewal among two of the ocean’s greatest giants. In the Puget Sound, Peter witnesses firsthand the urgent struggle of resident orcas — one of Earth’s most formidable predators — facing a critical threat to survival. Later, the journey continues in a remote [&hellip;]</p>\n"
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          <p><span data-contrast="auto">Peter and Dr. Rae encounter nature’s most vulnerable survivors — orphaned animals given a second chance through expert care and unwavering dedication to wildlife conservation. In Queensland, Australia, Peter joins passionate volunteers providing critical animal protection for rescued koalas, while he and Dr. Rae witness the delicate rehabilitation of rare tree kangaroos, including a tiny orphan named Pixie. Back in the United States at a zoo in Brownsville, Texas, Dr. Rae provides care to rescued baby spider monkeys.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
          <p><span data-contrast="auto">Learn more about </span><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/how-aussies-are-saving-koalas"><span data-contrast="none">koala conservation</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">. Then, watch “</span><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/rescue-down-under"><span data-contrast="none">Rescue Down Under</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">,” “</span><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/macropod-mania"><span data-contrast="none">Macropod Mania</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">” and “</span><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/adventure-south"><span data-contrast="none">Adventure South</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">” to get an in-depth look at koalas, kangaroos and spider monkeys.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
          <p><span data-contrast="auto">Watch <a href="https://www.nbc.com/mutual-of-omahas-wild-kingdom-protecting-the-wild/video/small-survivors/9000457416" target="_blank" rel="noopener">“Small Survivors” on NBC.com</a> or the NBC app.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
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              0:04\r\n
              Koalas, Australia's beloved iconic marsupials, are known for their fluffy ears, large noses and tree dwelling lifestyle.\r\n
              \r\n
              0:12\r\n
              Tragically, koalas today are endangered in the coastal forest where they make their treetop homes.\r\n
              \r\n
              0:20\r\n
              But across Queens and Australia, community groups and wildlife veterinarians have teamed up to rescue sick and injured koalas.\r\n
              \r\n
              0:29\r\n
              A baby koala is called a Joey.\r\n
              \r\n
              0:31\r\n
              When a member of the public finds an orphan Joey, the first call is to a place like Pine Rivers Koala Care Association in Strathpine.\r\n
              \r\n
              0:40\r\n
              Hello.\r\n
              \r\n
              0:41\r\n
              You must be Cash.\r\n
              \r\n
              0:42\r\n
              Hi, Petey.\r\n
              \r\n
              0:43\r\n
              It's very nice to meet you.\r\n
              \r\n
              0:45\r\n
              Nice to meet you too.\r\n
              \r\n
              0:46\r\n
              Welcome to Strathpine.\r\n
              \r\n
              0:48\r\n
              Everyone at Pine Rivers is a volunteer that's passionate about rescuing koalas.\r\n
              \r\n
              0:54\r\n
              Joanne Bain has been a volunteer here for 33 years.\r\n
              \r\n
              0:58\r\n
              So I understand you've been caring for cause for a very long time.\r\n
              \r\n
              1:02\r\n
              Yes, yes, quite a quite a while.\r\n
              \r\n
              1:07\r\n
              And it's time for her to feed an orphan Joey named Rusty.\r\n
              \r\n
              1:10\r\n
              The first time he's actually been outside and he's waiting for his milk.\r\n
              \r\n
              1:14\r\n
              Aren't you?\r\n
              \r\n
              1:15\r\n
              Are you going to cooperate today?\r\n
              \r\n
              1:17\r\n
              There he goes.\r\n
              \r\n
              1:19\r\n
              What?\r\n
              \r\n
              1:20\r\n
              What are you feeding it now?\r\n
              \r\n
              1:21\r\n
              It's a special formula.\r\n
              \r\n
              1:22\r\n
              Does it help when you sort of support his head like that?\r\n
              \r\n
              1:25\r\n
              Yeah, well, it's just that he's probably wanting to look around a bit.\r\n
              \r\n
              1:27\r\n
              You know, they’re in the pouch when they're feeding, so it's dark.\r\n
              \r\n
              1:31\r\n
              Koalas are marsupials, part of a group of animals that include Kangaroos, wombats and possums.\r\n
              \r\n
              1:38\r\n
              Marsupials are born prematurely and complete their development inside a special pouch on their mother's abdomen.\r\n
              \r\n
              1:45\r\n
              Rusty would have been drinking milk in the darkness of his mother's pouch if he had not been orphaned.\r\n
              \r\n
              1:51\r\n
              Yeah, he was in the hospital because his mum was very sick and she hadn't been feeding him.\r\n
              \r\n
              1:58\r\n
              This one's little chicken.\r\n
              \r\n
              1:59\r\n
              Oh, look at that.\r\n
              \r\n
              2:02\r\n
              Oh, how old, anyway?\r\n
              \r\n
              2:04\r\n
              Four to five.\r\n
              \r\n
              2:05\r\n
              Yeah, months.\r\n
              \r\n
              2:06\r\n
              She was a trauma and had a fall, so she was on a lot of medication.\r\n
              \r\n
              2:11\r\n
              Surprisingly made it through.\r\n
              \r\n
              2:12\r\n
              We didn't think she was going to.\r\n
              \r\n
              2:14\r\n
              She was definitely a fighter.\r\n
              \r\n
              2:16\r\n
              She's still on milk and will be for quite a while.\r\n
              \r\n
              2:19\r\n
              Can you tell us about that?\r\n
              \r\n
              2:20\r\n
              Before they can eat leaf, they've got to get the gut flora.\r\n
              \r\n
              2:24\r\n
              The gut flora, The gut flora.\r\n
              \r\n
              2:26\r\n
              They get that from Mum.\r\n
              \r\n
              2:27\r\n
              Where does that come from?\r\n
              \r\n
              2:28\r\n
              From Mum.\r\n
              \r\n
              2:29\r\n
              Well, it's mashed up droppings.\r\n
              \r\n
              2:32\r\n
              Mum feeds it to him and then they can start eating the leaf.\r\n
              \r\n
              2:36\r\n
              Koalas feed almost exclusively on the toxic leaves of eucalyptus trees, also known as gum trees.\r\n
              \r\n
              2:43\r\n
              Koalas are able to eat eucalyptus thanks to their unique digestive system.\r\n
              \r\n
              2:49\r\n
              As Wild Kingdom, first profiled over 50 years ago, these forests provide an excellent habitat for an abundance of wild creatures.\r\n
              \r\n
              2:58\r\n
              The koala, however, is the only one who spends his entire life there, since the only food he ever eats is the foliage of gum trees.\r\n
              \r\n
              3:09\r\n
              After Rusty, a little chick in her hand, raised on milk and eucalyptus, conditioned and outdoor enclosures to develop natural behaviors and then health checked, they'll be released back to the wild lands around Queensland in about 12 to 18 months.\r\n
              \r\n
              3:24\r\n
              You raise them from the time they're tiny and then you have to let them go, yes.\r\n
              \r\n
              3:30\r\n
              What is that like?\r\n
              \r\n
              3:31\r\n
              It's good.\r\n
              \r\n
              3:32\r\n
              It is a bit sad sometimes, you know, but a lot of the time it's good to see them go.\r\n
              \r\n
              3:36\r\n
              You've given them a second chance.\r\n
              \r\n
              3:38\r\n
              That's the whole reason we do it.\r\n
              \r\n
              3:39\r\n
              We do it because we want to conserve the koalas for future generations to enjoy.\r\n
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        "excerpt" => "<p>Peter and Dr. Rae encounter nature’s most vulnerable survivors — orphaned animals given a second chance through expert care and unwavering dedication to wildlife conservation. In Queensland, Australia, Peter joins passionate volunteers providing critical animal protection for rescued koalas, while he and Dr. Rae witness the delicate rehabilitation of rare tree kangaroos, including a tiny orphan named [&hellip;]</p>\n"
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          <p>For the second year in a row, <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/protecting-the-wild">Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild</a> has been nominated for a Daytime Emmy® Award in the following category &#8212; Directing Team for a Single Camera Daytime Non-Fiction Program</p>\n
          <p><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/meet-our-hosts">Co-hosted by Peter Gros and Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant</a>, the series highlights wildlife conservation stories from around the world. With captivating storytelling and breathtaking cinematography, Protecting the Wild continues to inspire the next generation of conservationists.</p>\n
          <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-4495" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/Emmys-2025-Peter-and-Rae-2-225x300.jpeg" alt="Peter Gros and Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant, co-hosts of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild, on the red carpet at the National Academy of Television Arts &amp; Sciences event." width="168" height="224" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/Emmys-2025-Peter-and-Rae-2-225x300.jpeg 225w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/Emmys-2025-Peter-and-Rae-2-768x1023.jpeg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/Emmys-2025-Peter-and-Rae-2-113x150.jpeg 113w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/Emmys-2025-Peter-and-Rae-2-1153x1536.jpeg 1153w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/Emmys-2025-Peter-and-Rae-2-1537x2048.jpeg 1537w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/Emmys-2025-Peter-and-Rae-2.jpeg 1816w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 168px) 100vw, 168px" />        <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-4496 size-medium" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/Emmys-2025-Whole-WK-HMPG-Group-300x225.jpeg" alt="Peter Gros and Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant with the Wild Kingdom team at the 52nd Daytime Emmy Awards red carpet." width="300" height="225" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/Emmys-2025-Whole-WK-HMPG-Group-300x225.jpeg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/Emmys-2025-Whole-WK-HMPG-Group-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/Emmys-2025-Whole-WK-HMPG-Group-150x113.jpeg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/Emmys-2025-Whole-WK-HMPG-Group-768x576.jpeg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/Emmys-2025-Whole-WK-HMPG-Group-1536x1153.jpeg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/Emmys-2025-Whole-WK-HMPG-Group-2048x1537.jpeg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></p>\n
          <p>“We are proud to be nominated for a Daytime Emmy once again this year,” said Jen Wulf, vice president of brand marketing at Mutual of Omaha. “Through Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild, the legacy of Marlin Perkins, Jim Fowler, and the entire Wild Kingdom family lives on in every story we share.”</p>\n
          <p>The original series, Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom, was recognized with four Emmy® Awards between 1965 to 1970.</p>\n
          <p>Over its first two seasons, Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild has earned a total of five Daytime Emmy® nominations.</p>\n
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          <p>Television’s No. 1 weekend wildlife show, <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/protecting-the-wild">Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild</a>, will return with Season 3 on Saturday, Oct. 4, on NBC’s educational/informational weekend program block.</p>\n
          <p>In addition, the wildlife TV show has been renewed through 2028-2029, the series’ sixth season.</p>\n
          <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4387 size-full" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/09/250828_EI_WK_DigitalKeyArt_S3_vF_1440x564.jpg" alt="Peter Gros and Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant are in the middle of the graphic surrounded by several animals including a koala bear, panda bear and sloth." width="1440" height="564" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/09/250828_EI_WK_DigitalKeyArt_S3_vF_1440x564.jpg 1440w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/09/250828_EI_WK_DigitalKeyArt_S3_vF_1440x564-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/09/250828_EI_WK_DigitalKeyArt_S3_vF_1440x564-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/09/250828_EI_WK_DigitalKeyArt_S3_vF_1440x564-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/09/250828_EI_WK_DigitalKeyArt_S3_vF_1440x564-768x301.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" /></p>\n
          <p>This fall, watch as <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/meet-our-hosts">Co-Hosts Peter Gros and Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant</a> take audiences across the globe to showcase stories of wildlife conservation. From tracking elusive wolverines in the rugged North American backcountry, to diving deep in the vibrant ecosystem of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, to joining conservationists working to reintroduce species like bighorn sheep in California’s snow-capped mountains, each episode highlights inspiring efforts to protect the wild.</p>\n
          <p><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/how-to-watch-mutual-of-omahas-wild-kingdom-protecting-the-wild"><em>See where you can watch Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild</em></a>.</p>\n
          <p>This season, the series partners with like-minded conservation brands focused on protecting wildlife including Fahlo and Tourism and Events Queensland to help bring incredible wildlife stories to viewers.</p>\n
          <p>“At its heart, Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild is about more than showcasing incredible wildlife — it’s about inspiring curiosity and action. The series continues to motivate new generations to become conservationists and we’re honored to carry forward this legacy for years ahead through impactful storytelling,” said Jennifer Wulf, vice president, brand marketing for Mutual of Omaha.</p>\n
          <p>Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild, which averaged more than a million weekly viewers for the 2024-2025 broadcast season, has <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/awards-and-recognition">earned five Daytime Emmy® nominations</a>, 36 Telly Awards, the BAFTA’s albert certification for sustainable production, as well as the Environmental Media Association’s (EMA) Green Seal in recognition of its sustainable production practices for Season 2 and again for Season 3.</p>\n
          <p>“Through our partnership with Mutual of Omaha and NBC, this series continues a legacy of extraordinary storytelling,” said Bryan Curb, Hearst Media Production Group executive vice president and general manager, education/information. “And, in turn, the show has had a <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/inspiring-generations-to-protect-our-wild-kingdom">productive impact inspiring people to appreciate wildlife conservation efforts</a>.”</p>\n
          <p>Before the Season 3 premiere, catch up with Season 1 and Season 2 episodes of <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/protecting-the-wild">Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild</a>.</p>\n
          <p>In addition to airing on NBC’s The More You Know educational/informational program block, the series is also available on Peacock and <a href="https://www.nbc.com/mutual-of-omahas-wild-kingdom-protecting-the-wild" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NBC.com</a>. Season 2 of the series will premiere in Spanish on Telemundo on Oct. 4.</p>\n
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              0:08\r\n
              [Music]\r\n
              \r\n
              0:09\r\n
              [Applause]\r\n
              \r\n
              0:10\r\n
              [Music]\r\n
              \r\n
              0:16\r\n
              [Music]\r\n
              \r\n
              0:24\r\n
              Oh. Oh. Oh my gosh. Wow.\r\n
              \r\n
              0:27\r\n
              Look at the size of this one. This is\r\n
              \r\n
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              without a doubt a first for me.\r\n
              \r\n
              0:32\r\n
              Oh my gosh, it's amazing that we're so\r\n
              \r\n
              0:34\r\n
              high. This is crazy.\r\n
              \r\n
              0:39\r\n
              [Music]\r\n
              \r\n
              0:44\r\n
              Oh, look at this.\r\n
              \r\n
              0:47\r\n
              To do these big missions is essential\r\n
              \r\n
              0:49\r\n
              for conservation. So to be a part of it\r\n
              \r\n
              0:51\r\n
              today is incredibly special.
              """
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          <p>See which media outlets recently featured Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild Co-Hosts Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant and Peter Gros sharing their wildlife expertise. Plus, check out where the co-hosts have been sharing their excitement about Protecting the Wild’s Season 3 premiere.</p>\n
          <h2>Season 3 premiere coverage</h2>\n
          <h3><a href="https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/wild-kingdom-nbc-return-season-three-renewal-1236506567/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Variety</a></h3>\n
          <p>Variety was first to share the exciting news about Season 3 of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild.</p>\n
          <h3><a href="https://www.today.com/video/peter-gros-opens-up-about-the-legacy-of-wild-kingdom-248326213865" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TODAY Show</a></h3>\n
          <p>Peter Gros joined Dylan Dreyer, Craig Melvin, and Al Roker live on the TODAY Show to celebrate the legacy of Wild Kingdom and give an exciting sneak peek at Season 3.</p>\n
          <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4437 size-full" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/1440x564_3-scaled.jpg" alt="Al Roker, Craig Melvin, Dylan Dreyer and Peter Gross discuss Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom during the TODAY show." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/1440x564_3-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/1440x564_3-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/1440x564_3-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/1440x564_3-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/1440x564_3-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/1440x564_3-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/1440x564_3-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></p>\n
          <h3><a href="https://www.wowt.com/video/2025/09/23/new-season-wild-kingdom-debut-october/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Local TV Coverage</a></h3>\n
          <p>Both co-hosts joined local TV stations across the country to chat about the new season. Watch one of those here!</p>\n
          <h3><a href="https://muckrack.com/broadcast/savedclips/view/y0JtDIKvgv?_gl=1%2A1h7ej0i%2A_gcl_au%2AMTc2MTEzOTM4Ny4xNzU1NjMyMDYxLjEzNDY5NjM5MDkuMTc1ODU3MjgyMC4xNzU4NTcyODU4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NBC News Daily</a></h3>\n
          <p>Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant joined Kate Snow on NBC News Daily to share a behind-the-scenes look at the adventures featured in Season 3 of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild.</p>\n
          <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4436 size-full" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/1440x564_2-scaled.jpg" alt="Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant discuss Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom with Kate Snow on NBC News Daily." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/1440x564_2-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/1440x564_2-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/1440x564_2-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/1440x564_2-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/1440x564_2-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/1440x564_2-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/1440x564_2-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></p>\n
          <h2>Co-Hosts share expert wildlife tips</h2>\n
          <h3><a href="https://www.countryliving.com/life/entertainment/a65024999/wild-kingdom-inspires-stem-careers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Country Living</a></h3>\n
          <p>Country Living highlighted the influence Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom has had on viewers pursuing careers in wildlife as seen in the “<a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/inspiring-generations-to-protect-our-wild-kingdom">Wild Impact Report</a>.”</p>\n
          <h3><a href="https://www.housebeautiful.com/lifestyle/gardening/a65494463/how-to-keep-bears-out-of-your-yard/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">House Beautiful</a></h3>\n
          <p>Dr. Rae shared tips to keep bears out of your yard with House Beautiful.</p>\n
          <h3><a href="https://www.marthastewart.com/common-camping-mistakes-11780723" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Martha Stewart</a></h3>\n
          <p>Peter explained why it’s important to store food responsibly at campsites to keep both people and wildlife safe.</p>\n
          <h3><a href="https://www.countryliving.com/life/a65035642/bird-watching-tips-peter-gros/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Country Living</a></h3>\n
          <p>Peter gave bird watching tips for novices and aficionados alike to Country Living.</p>\n
          <h3><a href="https://parade.com/news/dylan-dreyers-hilarious-jumpy-moment-in-alaska-leaves-fans-laughing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Parade</a></h3>\n
          <p>Parade shared a video of TODAY Show host Dylan Dreyer’s funny moment while filming an upcoming episode of Protecting the Wild.</p>\n
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        "content" => """
          <p>Can’t wait for the newest season of <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/protecting-the-wild">Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild</a>? Neither can we!</p>\n
          <p>Watch the Season 3 trailer to get a glimpse at the excitement to come.</p>\n
          <div style="position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; padding-top: 30px; height: 0; overflow: hidden;"><iframe loading="lazy" style="position: absolute; top: 0; left:0; width: 100%; height: 100%;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://\n
          www.youtube.com/embed/vb0k4W6Vmw0" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div>\n
          <p>&nbsp;<br />\n
          Then, check out the sneak peek of animals and places featured in Season 3.</p>\n
          <h2>Season 3 highlights</h2>\n
          <h3>Mexican wolves</h3>\n
          <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4446 size-full" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/639662_WK_Media_S33-scaled.jpg" alt="Collage of three scenes from an animal rescue event: Close-up of an animal’s paws resting on a person’s lap. Peter Gros and Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant gathered around the animal, which is lying on a stretcher, providing medical attention. Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant from the group stands and converses with others in an outdoor setting." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/639662_WK_Media_S33-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/639662_WK_Media_S33-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/639662_WK_Media_S33-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/639662_WK_Media_S33-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/639662_WK_Media_S33-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/639662_WK_Media_S33-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/639662_WK_Media_S33-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></p>\n
          <p>Census surveys aren’t just for humans — wildlife experts also take them to keep track of the local population of animals. In the <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/protecting-the-wild-in-california-mexico-and-more">Mexican wolf</a> episode this season, Co-Hosts Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant and Peter Gros participate in a census, including tracking down the alpha male by helicopter.</p>\n
          <h3>Lynx</h3>\n
          <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4447 size-full" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/639662_WK_Media_S34-scaled.jpg" alt="A collage of three wildlife-themed photographs: the first shows Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant outdoors with another individual; the second features a lynx being gently petted; and the third depicts a person standing on a snowmobile in a snowy forest." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/639662_WK_Media_S34-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/639662_WK_Media_S34-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/639662_WK_Media_S34-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/639662_WK_Media_S34-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/639662_WK_Media_S34-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/639662_WK_Media_S34-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/639662_WK_Media_S34-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></p>\n
          <p><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/wild-kingdom-films-in-northwest-u-s-canada">Canada lynx</a> were once abundant in the Pacific Northwest, but today various factors have decreased their population. Peter and Dr. Rae get up-close with lynx in this episode, culminating in transporting lynx back to the U.S.</p>\n
          <h3>Spider monkeys</h3>\n
          <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4448 size-full" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/639662_WK_Media_S35-scaled.jpg" alt="A collage of three nature-themed photographs: the first shows Peter Gros and Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant standing near a thatched-roof building with a “Welcome” sign; the second features a monkey hanging from a tree branch in a forested area; and the third depicts Peter Gros and Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant standing near a ledge looking down at something off-frame in a lush outdoor setting." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/639662_WK_Media_S35-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/639662_WK_Media_S35-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/639662_WK_Media_S35-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/639662_WK_Media_S35-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/639662_WK_Media_S35-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/639662_WK_Media_S35-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/639662_WK_Media_S35-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></p>\n
          <p>Protecting the Wild travels to Mexico to see <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/protecting-the-wild-in-california-mexico-and-more">spider monkeys</a> in the wild. The co-hosts learn how conservationists are fighting to save these monkeys and give them a new chance at life through rehabilitation.</p>\n
          <h3>Great Barrier Reef</h3>\n
          <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4449 size-full" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/639662_WK_Media_S36-scaled.jpg" alt="Aerial view of a vibrant coral reef in clear blue water, featuring intricate patterns of coral formations in varying shades of blue and green. A small boat or floating platform appears near the center-right, offering scale and highlighting human presence in this marine ecosystem." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/639662_WK_Media_S36-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/639662_WK_Media_S36-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/639662_WK_Media_S36-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/639662_WK_Media_S36-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/639662_WK_Media_S36-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/639662_WK_Media_S36-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/639662_WK_Media_S36-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></p>\n
          <p>Dr. Rae and Peter explore one of the world’s most iconic places — the Great Barrier Reef — while participating in coral restoration. While swimming alongside various marine animals, the co-hosts learn how new coral grown in a lab can be returned to the reef.</p>\n
          <p><a href="https://www.nbc.com/mutual-of-omahas-wild-kingdom-protecting-the-wild" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bookmark this page</a> to watch episodes of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild Season 3 as they premiere.</p>\n
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          <p>In 1985, Peter Gros made a decision that would forever change his life — he joined Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom! Now, 40 years later, we’re proud to have Peter as a co-host of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild.</p>\n
          <p>“It doesn&#8217;t feel like 40. It&#8217;s gone by so quickly. The only thing that really sticks with me that does put time in perspective as I start to recall all the wonderful experiences I have, they start to add up. I realize I&#8217;ve been one very lucky host,” Peter said.</p>\n
          <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4468 size-full" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images3-scaled.jpg" alt="Peter Gros, co-host of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild, recalls the wonderful experiences he has had while being a host." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images3-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images3-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images3-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images3-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images3-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images3-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images3-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></p>\n
          <p>Let’s take a look back at some of Peter’s most incredible moments in his 40 years with Wild Kingdom.</p>\n
          <h2>Memories from Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom</h2>\n
          <h3>The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson</h3>\n
          <p>The moment that started it all! In 1985 Peter made an appearance on the Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson to talk about caring for the world’s largest litter of tigers ever born. And who else was on the show that night? None other than Jim Fowler, co-host of Wild Kingdom. After meeting backstage, Jim later called Peter and offered him the opportunity of a lifetime — to co-host Wild Kingdom — as Marlin Perkins was retiring from the show.</p>\n
          <p><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/how-big-cats-brought-peter-gros-to-wild-kingdom">Learn more about Peter’s path to Wild Kingdom</a>.</p>\n
          <h3>Peter’s first episode</h3>\n
          <p>The first episode Peter filmed was “<a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/classic-episodes/operation-alligator">Operation Alligator</a>” which took him and Jim to Louisiana. Peter had never worked with reptiles before, so Jim gave him a crash course on what to do while filming alligators at night.</p>\n
          <p>“My first alligator I was about to catch, I leaned over to grab it in the water, just as Jim had done prior while catching one,” Peter said. “And he leaned over and pulled back my arm and said, ‘not that one! Its eyes are too far apart.’”</p>\n
          <p>Peter learned that for every inch an alligator’s eyes are apart, that’s another foot long they are. Whereas Jim had caught a four-foot-long alligator, Peter was unknowingly going for a six-foot long one.</p>\n
          <p>“If it weren’t for Jim right now, my nickname would be ‘Lefty!’” Peter said.</p>\n
          <p>Watch “<a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/classic-episodes/operation-alligator">Operation Alligator</a>.”</p>\n
          <h3>Diving with great white sharks</h3>\n
          <p>Though many people may exaggerate their experience a job interview to get the role, Peter’s exaggeration in his Wild Kingdom interview came back to haunt him. Peter had said he was an experienced scuba diver after only a pool lesson with a friend. Soon his expertise was put to the test when he was filming great white sharks off the coast of Australia.</p>\n
          <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4469 size-full" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images4-scaled.jpg" alt="Split image showing a large shark near an underwater cage and two divers (one being Peter Gros) on a boat preparing for a dive." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images4-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images4-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images4-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images4-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images4-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images4-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images4-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></p>\n
          <p>“I looked over the stern nervously and I’m putting my scuba gear together and the head diver said, ‘Mr. Gros, how long have you been diving?’ And I said, ‘oh, well, I was just diving in California a few days ago, why do you ask.’ And he said, ‘well, you just put your regulator on your tank upside down. Tell me the truth,’” Peter said.</p>\n
          <p>Luckily, Peter got a quick crash course from the head diver and was able to swim over to the great white shark cage just fine.</p>\n
          <p>“As we were leaving, he said, ‘promise me, you’ll go back and get certified,’ which I did, and I’ve been diving ever since,” Peter said.</p>\n
          <p>Watch “<a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/classic-episodes/great-white-sharks-of-danger-reef">Great White Sharks of Dangerous Reef</a>.”</p>\n
          <h3>Working with ‘Lil’</h3>\n
          <p>Though Peter mainly starred alongside Jim Fowler, occasionally he worked with other co-stars, such as Lil, the black labrador retriever who was a part of the episode, “<a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/classic-episodes/on-the-arctic-ice-pack">On the Arctic Ice Pack</a>” in Point Barrow, Alaska.</p>\n
          <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4470 size-full" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images5-scaled.jpg" alt="Two people in winter gear kneeling on snow, attending to a reindeer lying on the ground." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images5-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images5-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images5-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images5-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images5-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images5-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images5-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></p>\n
          <p>Lil helped researchers find ring seals, which in turn lead them to the polar bears they sought out.</p>\n
          <p>“The last night we were there, we got caught in a whiteout in a canvas tent and it was just freezing,” Peter said. “And so we all sort of snuggled around Lil, all wrapped up until the storm blew through to stay warm.”</p>\n
          <p>Learn more about <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/how-wild-kingdom-uses-dogs-for-conservation">how dogs have assisted in conservation</a> over the years on Wild Kingdom.</p>\n
          <h3>Rafting the Zambezi</h3>\n
          <p>For the episode, “<a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/classic-episodes/elephants-of-lake-kariba">Elephants of Lake Kariba</a>,” Peter and Jim rafted the Zambezi along the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia. Though it wasn’t Peter’s first time white water rafting, these were tough waters, exceeding Class 4 and Class 5 rapids.</p>\n
          <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4471 size-full" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images6-scaled.jpg" alt="Group in an inflatable boat paddling near two elephants partially submerged in a natural water setting." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images6-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images6-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images6-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images6-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images6-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images6-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images6-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></p>\n
          <p>The first day, the co-hosts followed their guides and got through the rapids just fine. However, on the next day, while filming, things didn’t go as planned.</p>\n
          <p>“We hit a rock and the raft flips,” Peter said. “I get dumped in the river, held under and make my way back to shore. Our head guide casually turned to me and said, ‘Mr. Gros, you should get back to the shore faster next time because crocodiles lay along the edge waiting for food to come by,’” Peter said.</p>\n
          <p>Luckily, the crew rafted the river many more times and everything went smoothly.</p>\n
          <p>Watch “<a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/classic-episodes/elephants-of-lake-kariba">Elephants of Lake Kariba</a>” to see Peter and Jim raft the Zambezi.</p>\n
          <h2>Protecting the Wild moments</h2>\n
          <p>When the original series wrapped, Peter continued to be actively involved with Wild Kingdom, making appearances on talk shows, teaching young people about wildlife and filming other shows, such as Mutual of Omaha’s Spirit of Adventure on ABC.</p>\n
          <p>In 2023, Peter once again returned to TV full time as co-host of Wild Kingdom, this time in a new series, <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/protecting-the-wild">Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild</a>, alongside new Co-Host <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/meet-our-hosts">Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant</a>. This series continues to bring memorable moments for the veteran wildlife expert.</p>\n
          <p>&nbsp;</p>\n
          <h3>Releasing animals back into the wild</h3>\n
          <p>One of the best parts of co-hosting Protecting the Wild is participating in an animal’s release back into the wild, especially one whose conservation he’s closely followed. In the first season, Peter traveled to Maine to release puffins and showcase a project Marlin Perkins worked on in the classic series.</p>\n
          <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4474 size-full" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images9-scaled.jpg" alt="Peter Gros wearing a 'Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom' shirt, holding a puffin near a rocky ocean shoreline." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images9-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images9-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images9-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images9-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images9-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images9-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images9-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></p>\n
          <p>“Knowing that Marlin Perkins had been involved, it’s always neat to follow in his footsteps in a sort of continuum of what he had started,” Peter said.</p>\n
          <p>Watch “<a href="http://mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/puffin-island-clip">Puffin Island</a>” to see the moment unfold.</p>\n
          <p>Another animal Peter’s followed throughout the years is the California condor. In the episode, “<a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/extinct-in-the-wild">Extinct in the Wild</a>,” he was able to release one of these majestic birds.</p>\n
          <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4473 size-full" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images8-scaled.jpg" alt="Three individuals (including Peter Gros) outdoors handling a black animal near a brown building." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images8-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images8-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images8-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images8-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images8-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images8-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images8-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></p>\n
          <p>“Having one in my arms and releasing it back to the wild, it’s just a thrill,” Peter said.</p>\n
          <h3>Swimming with whale sharks</h3>\n
          <p>Though he’s had many once-in-a-lifetime experiences while hosting Wild Kingdom, Peter still had one adventure to cross off his bucket list — swimming with whale sharks. And on Season 2 of Protecting the Wild, he was finally able to achieve his goal.</p>\n
          <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4472 size-full" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images7-scaled.jpg" alt="Two scuba divers (one being Peter Gros) underwater surrounded by sharks in a clear blue ocean." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images7-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images7-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images7-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images7-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images7-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images7-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/10/642044_WK_Media_Peter_images7-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></p>\n
          <p>“The whale had its 4-foot mouth open and still feeding in a very leisurely manner in almost a slow motion and then turned toward me,” Peter said. “Its mouth was open but I just sort of laid there, barely moving and he went right by me and it was almost like watching a slow-motion train go by. His body just kept going and going. All these spots just passing me until his tail finally went by.”</p>\n
          <p>“I had to register what I had just seen, how fortunate I was that I just shared his environment. It doesn’t get any better than that,” Peter said</p>\n
          <p>Catch the moment on the Season 2 episode, “<a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/the-biggest-fish-on-earth">The Biggest Fish on Earth</a>.”</p>\n
          <p>Watch Season 3 of <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/protecting-the-wild">Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild</a> to see Peter create more memories in his wildlife TV career.</p>\n
          <p>For more iconic stories, read about <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/marlin-perkins-top-wild-kingdom-moments">Marlin Perkins</a> and <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/jim-fowlers-iconic-wild-kingdom-moments">Jim Fowler</a>’s top moments.</p>\n
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          <p>From new discoveries to conservation wins, there were many memorable wildlife tales in 2025. Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild Co-Hosts Peter Gros and Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant break down 10 of their favorite stories from the past year.</p>\n
          <h2>2025’s top wildlife stories</h2>\n
          <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4604 size-full" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/12/639670_WK_Media_TopStories2025_images3-scaled.jpg" alt="Quote text on a dark background: “Nobody had more patience than Jane Goodall, who would sit there and observe behavior in the wild for hours and hours.” – Peter Gros, Co-Host of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/12/639670_WK_Media_TopStories2025_images3-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/12/639670_WK_Media_TopStories2025_images3-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/12/639670_WK_Media_TopStories2025_images3-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/12/639670_WK_Media_TopStories2025_images3-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/12/639670_WK_Media_TopStories2025_images3-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/12/639670_WK_Media_TopStories2025_images3-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/12/639670_WK_Media_TopStories2025_images3-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></p>\n
          <h3>Remembering Jane Goodall</h3>\n
          <p>In October, the world mourned the loss of conservation great <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/10/02/jane-goodall-africa-science-conservation-legacy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dr. Jane Goodall</a>, well-known for her work with chimpanzees in Tanzania.</p>\n
          <p>“Nobody had more patience than Jane Goodall, who would observe behavior in the wild for hours and hours,” Peter said.</p>\n
          <p>Through her observation, Goodall documented chimpanzees’ ability to use tools — a conservation breakthrough. Her work with chimps led to the creation of the Jane Goodall Institute and the Jane Goodall Legacy Foundation, which will carry on chimpanzee conservation and research for decades to come.</p>\n
          <p>“When I became a scientist, I realized Jane and I have a lot of parallels and in many ways, I’m walking in her footsteps,” Dr. Rae said. “She didn’t grow up in the wilderness. She knew it through magazines and books. That’s exactly how I grew up too.”</p>\n
          <p>Like Goodall, Dr. Rae first had the opportunity to go into the wilderness in her 20s, whereas many colleagues start earlier in life.</p>\n
          <p>“One of the reasons I feel comfortable is because I know I’m not alone,” Dr. Rae said. “It’s never too late to start. You can be different or nontraditional in this space like Jane was and still make major contributions to this field.”</p>\n
          <p>Watch the classic Wild Kingdom episode, “<a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/classic-episodes/chimpanzees-of-gombe-stream">Chimpanzees of Gombe Stream</a>,” to see Goodall’s work in action.</p>\n
          <h3><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4605 size-full" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/12/639670_WK_Media_TopStories2025_images4-scaled.jpg" alt="Peter Gros and Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant observing an animal enclosure while a camera operator films nearby." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/12/639670_WK_Media_TopStories2025_images4-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/12/639670_WK_Media_TopStories2025_images4-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/12/639670_WK_Media_TopStories2025_images4-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/12/639670_WK_Media_TopStories2025_images4-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/12/639670_WK_Media_TopStories2025_images4-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/12/639670_WK_Media_TopStories2025_images4-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/12/639670_WK_Media_TopStories2025_images4-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></h3>\n
          <h3>Pandas return to San Diego Zoo</h3>\n
          <p>Visitors to the San Diego Zoo rejoiced as pandas made their way back to the states, and Peter and Dr. Rae were some of the first to see them.</p>\n
          <p>“They’re such a charismatic species,” Peter said. “And although they’re big powerful bears chewing through three inches of bamboo like it’s a toothpick, we see them with sweet, cuddly, cute faces with big eyes that do need to be saved.”</p>\n
          <p>The pandas’ return to the San Diego Zoo as well as the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. helps bring more awareness to the conservation needs of this species.</p>\n
          <p>“With these animal ambassadors, <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/zoos-and-aquariums-key-to-conservation-success">when people visit</a> their attitudes are affected about the importance of saving pandas and the other animals that they see in the zoo,” Peter said.</p>\n
          <p>See the San Diego Zoo’s pandas in the Protecting the Wild episode “<a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/panda-monium">Panda-Monium!</a>”</p>\n
          <h3>Los Angeles wildfires</h3>\n
          <p>The tragic wildfires around Los Angeles caused many to lose their homes, businesses and community spaces. They also harmed the region’s wildlife. Though some species <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/how-instincts-help-wildlife-during-hurricanes">used instincts</a> to fly or run to escape in time, not every animal was able to.</p>\n
          <p>“The wildfires went on for so long that scientists were able to see that animals with GPS collars, for example, fleeing and leaving, but a lot of wild animals are unaccounted for,” Dr. Rae said.</p>\n
          <p>Wildfires aren’t uncommon in the wild and can have positive effects to nature by generating new growth and habitat for wildlife. However, the L.A. wildfires burned hotter than normal because of extreme drought.</p>\n
          <p>“When they’re burning hotter than what’s natural and spreading faster than what’s natural, that’s when we’re seeing this is a natural disaster due to human-made influences and there aren’t those ecosystem benefits,” Dr. Rae said.</p>\n
          <h3>Bald eagles born in Big Bear</h3>\n
          <p>Those watching a nest camera from Big Bear Valley, California, in March were in for a surprise as <a href="https://www.countryliving.com/life/inspirational-stories/a64052105/eaglets-hatch-on-california-nest-cam-after-2024-heartbreak/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">three bald eaglets arrived</a>. While any bald eagle birth is exciting due to the species’ history as a formerly endangered species, these three eaglets made headlines because of what their mother went through in 2024.</p>\n
          <p>Last year, viewers watched as the mother eagle protected her nest during a two-day snowstorm. Sadly, her chicks did not make it, making this year’s birth even more meaningful.</p>\n
          <p>“We all held our breath to see if they would actually hatch, which requires the parents to do a lot of heavy lifting to actually get the eggs incubated properly so they can hatch,” Dr. Rae said. “These eagle chicks not only hatched, but they fledged from the nest. We all felt like those parents especially deserved those wonderful births.”</p>\n
          <p>Watch the Protecting the Wild episode “<a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/rescue-rehab-and-release-clip">Rescue, Rehab and Release</a>” for another incredible bald eagle story.</p>\n
          <h3><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4606 size-full" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/12/639670_WK_Media_TopStories2025_images5-scaled.jpg" alt="A black bear surrounded by green foliage." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/12/639670_WK_Media_TopStories2025_images5-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/12/639670_WK_Media_TopStories2025_images5-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/12/639670_WK_Media_TopStories2025_images5-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/12/639670_WK_Media_TopStories2025_images5-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/12/639670_WK_Media_TopStories2025_images5-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/12/639670_WK_Media_TopStories2025_images5-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/12/639670_WK_Media_TopStories2025_images5-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></h3>\n
          <h3>Fat Bear Week</h3>\n
          <p>Each fall, Alaskan brown bears go head-to-head in fierce “competition” for Fat Bear Week. As the bears in Katmai National Park prepare for hibernation, they put on weight to help them sustain the winter season. Meanwhile, people fill out their brackets and vote to crown the fattest bear of the year.</p>\n
          <p>“Conservation is reaching more people that wouldn’t traditionally be included by saying, ‘Oh you know sports matchups? Well, I bet you could apply that to bears!’” Dr. Rae said. “I really like the idea of making it fun.”</p>\n
          <p>This year, 1.7 million people participated in Fat Bear Week voting with “Chunk” winning the contest, coming in at over 1,200 pounds.</p>\n
          <p><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/how-we-can-prepare-for-bear-hibernation">Learn why bears need to gain weight to prepare for hibernation.</a></p>\n
          <h3><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4607 size-full" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/12/639670_WK_Media_TopStories2025_images6-scaled.jpg" alt="A sea otter floating on its back in water covered with green aquatic plants." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/12/639670_WK_Media_TopStories2025_images6-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/12/639670_WK_Media_TopStories2025_images6-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/12/639670_WK_Media_TopStories2025_images6-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/12/639670_WK_Media_TopStories2025_images6-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/12/639670_WK_Media_TopStories2025_images6-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/12/639670_WK_Media_TopStories2025_images6-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/12/639670_WK_Media_TopStories2025_images6-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></h3>\n
          <h3>The surfboard-stealing otter</h3>\n
          <p>Surfers near Santa Cruz, California, had their boards stolen by an unlikely suspect — a sea otter! The wild otters climbed aboard surfboards looking for a place to land.</p>\n
          <p>“This one particular otter had no fear of people,” Peter said. “They burn a lot of energy, they have their young and they’re constantly swimming, so they need time to sun themselves and rest. They do it on top of kelp, on rocks and so why not do it on a surfboard?”</p>\n
          <p>Though it may be tempting to interact with the adorable wild sea otters, Peter says this story is a good reminder to stay back, even if wildlife seems “friendly.”</p>\n
          <p>“I think no matter where you are, there will be wildlife that becomes accustomed to people,” Peter said. “Just give them their distance and stay away. We’re having to learn to share habitat with them.”</p>\n
          <p>Watch the Protecting the Wild episode “<a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/secret-life-of-sea-otters-clip">Secret Life of Sea Otters</a>” to see these playful pups in the wild.</p>\n
          <h3>North Atlantic right whale population growing</h3>\n
          <p>The North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium reported that this whale species is up eight whales from last year. While this number may not seem like a big deal, it’s a huge conservation win. North Atlantic right whales are one of the world’s most endangered whales with only around 370 remaining in the wild. And with the ocean’s vast size, it can be difficult to monitor just how many whales there are.</p>\n
          <p>“Positive conservation stories exist, and we have a lot of reasons to be optimistic about the future,” Dr. Rae said.</p>\n
          <p>Dive into the world of the North Atlantic right whale in the Protecting the Wild episode “<a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/safe-passage-for-whales">Safe Passage for Whales</a>.”</p>\n
          <h3>Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing closer to opening</h3>\n
          <p>If you’re a fan of Protecting the Wild, you’ll remember talks of building the Wallis Anneberg Wildlife Crossing in the episode “<a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/urban-wildlife-clip">Urban Wildlife</a>.” The Southern California crossing will help bridge ecosystems so animals, such as cougars, can have larger habitats. The crossing is currently under construction over the 101 freeway.</p>\n
          <p>This fall, a group of individuals, including Dr. Rae, traveled to the crossing to spread seeds to help start the vegetation needed for the animals to use the crossing when it opens in 2026. The seeds spread were all those of native plants that have pollinated and produced in the region for thousands of years.</p>\n
          <p>“We planted the wildlife crossing which is a big step toward its opening,” Dr. Rae said. “It’ll be the largest wildlife crossing in the world!”</p>\n
          <p><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/what-p-22-taught-us-about-urban-wildlife">Learn more about the cougar who inspired the crossing, P-22</a>.</p>\n
          <h3><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4608 size-full" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/12/639670_WK_Media_TopStories2025_images7-scaled.jpg" alt="A person’s hands gently touching a large sea turtle in shallow water." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/12/639670_WK_Media_TopStories2025_images7-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/12/639670_WK_Media_TopStories2025_images7-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/12/639670_WK_Media_TopStories2025_images7-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/12/639670_WK_Media_TopStories2025_images7-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/12/639670_WK_Media_TopStories2025_images7-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/12/639670_WK_Media_TopStories2025_images7-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/12/639670_WK_Media_TopStories2025_images7-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></h3>\n
          <h3>Green sea turtles no longer endangered</h3>\n
          <p>Green sea turtles are moving their way down the endangered species list, going from endangered to least concern due to growing populations around the world. Scientists say this was all possible because of global conservation efforts.</p>\n
          <p>“We’re changing our attitudes and thoughts about how to deal with wildlife,” Peter said. “We’re protecting the habitat they need to survive. We can share this planet, we can share what is their habitat as well as ours, we just have to learn the best way to do it.”</p>\n
          <p>Watch “<a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/sea-creatures-of-the-florida-coast-clip">Sea Creatures of the Florida Coast</a>” to learn more about sea turtles.</p>\n
          <h3>Pupfish studies</h3>\n
          <p>Endangered Sonoyta pupfish found a new home in the University of Arizona’s Biosphere 2, allowing conservationists to study and hopefully boost the population. Wild Sonoyta pupfish live in springs, lakes and marshes in a desert climate.</p>\n
          <p>“The biodome is a completely controlled environment versus in the desert where you still get air pollution,” Peter said. “I’ll be interested in the comparison because these wild fish have somehow adapted to extreme climates. The data can be accumulated on changes they go through in a controlled environment versus an uncontrolled environment.”</p>\n
          <p>Learn about another pupfish in the episode “<a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/the-pupfish-of-death-valley">The Pupfish of Death Valley</a>.”</p>\n
          <p>&nbsp;</p>\n
          <p><em>Look back at the top wildlife stories of <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/wild-kingdoms-favorite-wildlife-stories-from-2024">2024</a> and <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/top-wildlife-stories-2023">2023</a> for more inspirational tales.</em></p>\n
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          <p>Wildfires are a powerful force of nature. They can reshape landscapes around the world and cause a lot of destruction and devastation.</p>\n
          <p>And while wildfires in open, forested areas play a key role in restoring and reinvigorating the ecosystem, blazes that reach urban settings have brought more attention to fire prevention and fire management strategies.</p>\n
          <p>Learn more as <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/protecting-the-wild">Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild</a> Co-Hosts Peter Gros and Dr. Rae-Wynn Grant discuss the increasing occurrence of wildfires, including how wildlife adapt to these challenging conditions through remarkable survival strategies and resilience.</p>\n
          <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-4647" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/01/639673_WK_Media_WILDFIRES3-1024x401.jpg" alt="Remains of a burned down house. A lone brick chimney still stands with burned posts and house framing planks around it." width="1024" height="401" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/01/639673_WK_Media_WILDFIRES3-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/01/639673_WK_Media_WILDFIRES3-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/01/639673_WK_Media_WILDFIRES3-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/01/639673_WK_Media_WILDFIRES3-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/01/639673_WK_Media_WILDFIRES3-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/01/639673_WK_Media_WILDFIRES3-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></p>\n
          <h2>Heartbreaking scenes</h2>\n
          <p>The scenes from fire-stricken urban areas, such as those from the 2025 Southern California fires, are heartbreaking. Peter and Dr. Rae are both residents of California and know many people who were affected by the life-changing wildfires.</p>\n
          <p>“The personal loss was unimaginable,” Peter said. “Gradually homes will be rebuilt and lives will return to normal, but it takes time. I heard the same message from many people who lost their homes, ‘at least we were able to escape and we will somehow rebuild.’ But sadly, that’s not the case for everyone.”</p>\n
          <p>To help prevent future destructive fires in Southern California, officials plan to expand fire prevention efforts such as controlled burns, improved management of brush and undergrowth and increased community education about fire safety. These strategies aim to reduce wildfire risks and protect both residents and natural habitats.</p>\n
          <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-4649" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/01/639673_WK_Media_WILDFIRES5-1024x401.jpg" alt="A forest skyline with billowing smoke from a wildfire coming from the hills in the background." width="1024" height="401" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/01/639673_WK_Media_WILDFIRES5-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/01/639673_WK_Media_WILDFIRES5-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/01/639673_WK_Media_WILDFIRES5-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/01/639673_WK_Media_WILDFIRES5-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/01/639673_WK_Media_WILDFIRES5-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/01/639673_WK_Media_WILDFIRES5-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></p>\n
          <h2>Wildfires can help spur rebirth</h2>\n
          <p>When wildfires aren’t threatening towns or cities, they can be good for the environment. Because of the benefit to the ecosystem, regions in Canada and Alaska even have a policy to let fires burn if there isn’t a risk to populated areas.</p>\n
          <p>Naturally occurring wildfires bring renewal to nature by removing dead and decaying material that builds up over time. This allows for the growth of smaller plants that would otherwise be stunted by dense material on the ground and allows animals access to nutrients in the soil.</p>\n
          <p>“Many indigenous groups developed ways to sustainably use fire to manage landscapes for regeneration purposes,” Dr. Rae said.</p>\n
          <p>In more modern times, the 1988 wildfires in Yellowstone National Park, triggered by a lightning strike, show how an ecosystem can flourish after a fire.</p>\n
          <p>“When the forests started to regenerate, the wildlife returned. After the wildfire, beavers had new growth of softwood trees near rivers to build dams, elk and moose had leaves and twigs for nourishment and numerous other species had the invaluable cover they needed to survive,” Peter said. “Yellowstone’s natural rebirth became a symbol of nature’s cycle of recovery.”</p>\n
          <p>Read “<a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/beaver-conservation-in-the-pacific-northwest">Beaver Conservation in the Pacific Northwest</a>” to learn how conservationists are helping beavers in the Pacific Northwest reclaim an area following a 2014 fire that destroyed their habitat. Hint: they’re doing quite well.</p>\n
          <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-4648" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/01/639673_WK_Media_WILDFIRES4-1024x401.jpg" alt="A green and luscious forest scape with many trees and a blue sky." width="1024" height="401" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/01/639673_WK_Media_WILDFIRES4-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/01/639673_WK_Media_WILDFIRES4-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/01/639673_WK_Media_WILDFIRES4-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/01/639673_WK_Media_WILDFIRES4-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/01/639673_WK_Media_WILDFIRES4-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/01/639673_WK_Media_WILDFIRES4-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></p>\n
          <h3>Bountiful habitat is key for long-term success</h3>\n
          <p>When wildfires close in on wildlife, they have the same course of action as humans — flee the area. Some instinctively take cover in burrows or move to wetlands or bodies of water, while those with wings simply fly away from danger.</p>\n
          <p>Wildlife have survived and adapted for thousands of years in the face of wildfires. The key for a species’ success is bountiful habitat that allows them to not only survive but thrive. Due to wildfires, deforestation and other environmental factors, preserving natural habitats is more important than ever.</p>\n
          <p>“Because we’re seeing more wildfires today, habitats are being destroyed more often,“ Dr. Rae said. “And in a world where wildlife habitat is diminishing and becoming more fragmented, safe, abundant habitat is critical and can make all the difference in long-term survival of a species.”</p>\n
          <p>&nbsp;</p>\n
          <h3>How to help wildlife affected by wildfires</h3>\n
          <p>Many wild animals may pass through urban areas that aren’t experiencing natural disasters. If you spot a wild animal wandering into your area, don’t approach it, even it if seems injured. Dr. Rae suggests taking a photo of the animal from a safe distance and calling the local wildlife authorities or rescue center immediately with your location.</p>\n
          <p>&nbsp;</p>\n
          <p>Watch the Mutual of Omaha’s Protecting the Wild episode “<a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/watch-bear-cub-rescue-now">Bear Cub Rescue</a>” to see the amazing story of two bear cubs that were saved and rehabilitated after wildfires raged through the Pacific Northwest. Also, read a <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/behind-the-scenes-of-the-bear-cubs-episode-protecting-the-wild">behind-the-scenes story</a> on how this episode came to life.</p>\n
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        "content" => """
          <p><span data-contrast="auto">It takes a community to protect wildlife, something Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom and </span><a href="https://nwf.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-contrast="none">National Wildlife Federation</span></a><span data-contrast="auto"> know well. The two teamed up once again for the 2025 </span><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/wild-kingdom-college-and-university-grant-program"><span data-contrast="none">EcoLeaders® college and university grants</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">, which support the next generation of conservationists who are working to help protect and/or restore wildlife and/or their habitats.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
          <p><span data-contrast="auto">2025’s recipients built bat and bird boxes, identified habitat for endangered species, removed invasive plants, monitored wildlife activity and released animals back to the wild. In the process they helped little brown bats, Eastern blue birds, San Joaquin kit foxes, brown-headed nuthatches, red-headed woodpeckers, Eastern rat snakes, gopher tortoises and freshwater mussels.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
          <p><span data-contrast="auto">Wild Kingdom and National Wildlife Federation’s grant supported the following seven colleges and universities for 2025:</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
          <ul>\n
          <li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="8" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Allegheny College in Pennsylvania</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>\n
          </ul>\n
          <ul>\n
          <li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="9" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">California State University Bakersfield</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>\n
          </ul>\n
          <ul>\n
          <li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="10" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Georgia State University Perimeter College</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>\n
          </ul>\n
          <ul>\n
          <li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="11" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Kentucky State University</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>\n
          </ul>\n
          <ul>\n
          <li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="12" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Smith College in Massachusetts</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>\n
          </ul>\n
          <ul>\n
          <li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="13" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">University of South Florida</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>\n
          </ul>\n
          <ul>\n
          <li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="14" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">University of Tennessee</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>\n
          </ul>\n
          <p><span data-contrast="auto">Learn more about how each school helped protect wildlife through their projects.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
          <h2><span data-contrast="auto">2025 grant recipient projects</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h2>\n
          <h3><span data-contrast="auto">Little brown bat, Eastern bluebird</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h3>\n
          <h4><span data-contrast="auto">Allegheny College</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h4>\n
          <p><span data-contrast="auto">Songbirds in Pennsylvania, rejoice! Allegheny College built and installed 20 pine bird boxes across its campus to attract at least four native cavity-nesting songbirds: black-capped chickadees, Eastern bluebirds, house wrens and tree swallows. The team also installed boxes to protect habitat for endangered Northern long-eared bats and threatened little brown bats.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
          <p><span data-contrast="auto">In addition, the team created a perennial native flower landscape which provides habitat and shows a sustainable alternative to a typical lawn. They planted three species of live plants, one species of bare root plant and 14 species of seeded plants.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
          <h3><span data-contrast="auto">San Joaquin kit fox</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h3>\n
          <h4><span data-contrast="auto">California State University Bakersfield</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h4>\n
          <p><span data-contrast="auto">Protecting habitat is a critical part of protecting species. San Joaquin kit foxes are endangered, so the team at California State University Bakersfield conducted research to figure out the fox’s habitat. First, they collected 221 scat samples and extracted DNA to help identify which mammals the scat belonged to. Through this research, the team found five hot spot sites for the foxes.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
          <p><span data-contrast="auto">This data was then used for a campus habitat conservation plan to preserve denning and hunting grounds for the foxes. This noninvasive plan was proposed to the City of Bakersfield to help protect the foxes and other endangered species.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
          <h3><span data-contrast="auto">Brown-headed nuthatch</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h3>\n
          <h4><span data-contrast="auto">Georgia State University Perimeter College</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h4>\n
          <p><span data-contrast="auto">As a species of concern, the brown-headed nuthatch needs help from conservationists. The team at Georgia State University Perimeter College answered the call by building and installing 130 nest boxes across the campus as well as partner sites in the area. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
          <p><span data-contrast="auto">The team also created 30 educational signs and engaged students in hands-on lab and field activities. This spring, the team will begin data collection during the bird’s nesting season.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
          <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-4745" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/04/645494_WK_NWFArticle_social_Page_4.jpg" alt="A group poses near a sign recognizing 25 years of wildlife protection, with an inset image showing a nest with young birds resting inside." width="1500" height="588" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/04/645494_WK_NWFArticle_social_Page_4.jpg 1500w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/04/645494_WK_NWFArticle_social_Page_4-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/04/645494_WK_NWFArticle_social_Page_4-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/04/645494_WK_NWFArticle_social_Page_4-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/04/645494_WK_NWFArticle_social_Page_4-768x301.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></p>\n
          <h3><span data-contrast="auto">Red-headed woodpecker</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h3>\n
          <h4><span data-contrast="auto">Kentucky State University</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h4>\n
          <p><span data-contrast="auto">Supporting the red-headed woodpecker (a species of conservation concern) started with building and installing three nest boxes, but the project didn’t end there. Kentucky State University’s students and staff also removed invasive shrubs and sprayed invasive wineberry. These steps are key to habitat management and restoration.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
          <p><span data-contrast="auto">Finally, the team hosted invasive species removal days called Woodland Wednesdays and community nest box building workshops with KSU’s Environmental Education and Research Center. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
          <h3><span data-contrast="auto">Eastern rat snake</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h3>\n
          <h4><span data-contrast="auto">Smith College</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h4>\n
          <p><span data-contrast="auto">As a tree snake, the Eastern rat snake needs woody habitat to survive. Smith College’s project focused on habitat restoration through invasive plant species removal. The team removed five acres of invasive vegetation. They then planted over 100 native trees and shrubs and spread native grassland seed over two acres.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
          <p><span data-contrast="auto">Finally, the team built a snake hibernaculum, or refuge to help both Eastern rat and other snake species. The techniques used in this project were documented to be applied for future restoration efforts in the area.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
          <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-4744" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/04/645494_WK_NWFArticle_social_Page_3.jpg" alt="A person kneels outdoors while planting vegetation, alongside a close-up inset of hands tying a labeled tag to a newly planted sapling." width="1860" height="729" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/04/645494_WK_NWFArticle_social_Page_3.jpg 1860w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/04/645494_WK_NWFArticle_social_Page_3-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/04/645494_WK_NWFArticle_social_Page_3-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/04/645494_WK_NWFArticle_social_Page_3-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/04/645494_WK_NWFArticle_social_Page_3-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/04/645494_WK_NWFArticle_social_Page_3-1536x602.jpg 1536w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1860px) 100vw, 1860px" /></p>\n
          <h3><span data-contrast="auto">Gopher tortoise</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h3>\n
          <h4><span data-contrast="auto">University of South Florida</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h4>\n
          <p><span data-contrast="auto">As the Bull’s Nature Trail Boardwalk is being built in Florida, the team at University of South Florida is ensuring its construction doesn’t impact gopher tortoise habitat. To do this, they installed four trail cameras which showed how the area is a corridor for many animals, but not the gopher tortoise. This is great news because it confirms the trail placement won’t harm tortoise habitat.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
          <p><span data-contrast="auto">The team also used a positioning tool to map out existing gopher tortoise burrows to ensure the boardwalk project won’t have any impact on the gopher tortoise. A preliminary report was taken and the team continues to monitor it today.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
          <h3><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-4746" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/04/645494_WK_NWFArticle_social_Page_5-scaled.jpg" alt="A trail camera image shows a deer in green woodland vegetation, next to a photo of two field researchers standing on a dirt path with surveying equipment in a natural area." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/04/645494_WK_NWFArticle_social_Page_5-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/04/645494_WK_NWFArticle_social_Page_5-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/04/645494_WK_NWFArticle_social_Page_5-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/04/645494_WK_NWFArticle_social_Page_5-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/04/645494_WK_NWFArticle_social_Page_5-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/04/645494_WK_NWFArticle_social_Page_5-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/04/645494_WK_NWFArticle_social_Page_5-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></h3>\n
          <h3><span data-contrast="auto">Freshwater mussels</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h3>\n
          <h4><span data-contrast="auto">University of Tennessee</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h4>\n
          <p><span data-contrast="auto">As the freshwater mussel population is affected by human activity in Tennessee, conservationists are actively trying to restore this native species. University of Tennessee students and staff fit 80 propagated freshwater mussels with VHF radio transmitters. These transmitters help the team track and monitor mussel activity to inform conservation action.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
          <p><span data-contrast="auto">The team released the mussels into the river and then monitored mussel activity. As of January 2026, all mussels have survived and will continue to be tracked for six months. The team also created an identification guide for community awareness and held a workshop about mussel conservation.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
          <p><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
          <p><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/wild-kingdom-grant-helps-colleges-protect-wildlife"><span data-contrast="none">Discover the 2024 EcoLeaders® grant recipients</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
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        "date" => "2026-04-15 17:00:13"
        "excerpt" => "<p>It takes a community to protect wildlife, something Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom and National Wildlife Federation know well. The two teamed up once again for the 2025 EcoLeaders® college and university grants, which support the next generation of conservationists who are working to help protect and/or restore wildlife and/or their habitats.  2025’s recipients built bat and bird boxes, identified habitat for endangered species, removed invasive plants, monitored wildlife activity and released [&hellip;]</p>\n"
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