VIDEO

WILD KINGDOM UNITES TO SAVE OUR WATERWAYS

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So today, Mutual Omaha's Wild Kingdom paired with community groups and local youth and washed ashore all of us coming out here today to clean up along the banks of the Tennessee River just across from the aquarium itself. All of that effort was to not only make the park more enjoyable, but also to keep potential litter from getting into the river that could then eventually get into the ocean. Washed Ashore focuses on ocean plastic pollution, but in order to do that, we have to consider where it

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starts. And one of the places that most plastic comes from is inland. And so microplastics or bigger chunks like we're cleaning up on our clean up with the community today are all part of what can lead to healthy ocean ecosystems. So, Chattanooga, Tennessee is a place that I didn't necessarily think I would visit in the name of Wild Kingdom. But since I've been here for just one day, I've already learned that this area has one of the most biodiverse freshwater ecosystems of any other temperate place

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on Earth. That means in latitudes like this one in the Tennessee area, this is one of the places that have the most fish, the most amphibians, the most shore birds, the most vegetation of all different kinds. And it's really important to protect them because when we have healthy, thriving freshwater ecosystems, we have a healthier planet. All of this trickles up and trickles down to the way humans live and how healthy we are in our communities and also how healthy other parts of the region and ultimately the world are

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going to be. So, I'm here today representing Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom, protecting the wild, working with the Tennessee Aquarium and Washed Ashore, one of our favorite partners that turns plastic trash into artwork to bring awareness of plastic pollution in all kinds of marine systems. I'm so excited to be here to be able to share more about Bill's story. So, Bill is a coho salmon, and a coho salmon is a type of salmon that lives off the Oregon coast. Unfortunately, their numbers have

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been reduced in several past decades, but many cool ways and few community projects are coming together to actually restore them along our coast. And so, we were fortunate to have our friends at Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom not only come help us create this sculpture of Bill the Salmon but also learn about salmon restoration projects within our community undertaken by both the state and our local tribal partners. >> We're really happy because Mutual of Omaha's Wow Kingdom now sponsors this

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exact sculpture. It is actually traveling across America to raise awareness about Washed Ashore, Wild Kingdom and the intersection of trash collection at the beaches in the name of wildlife conservation. It's been an incredible day. It's hot. We're dirty, but that's the idea is to get the community involved and do some dirty work in the name of the environment.

With the Tennessee River flowing gently behind them and the sun shining overhead, Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild Co-Host Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant joined hands with the Tennessee Aquarium, Washed Ashore, volunteers from Mutual of Omaha’s local Chattanooga, Tennessee office, and dedicated community members to take action in the fight against plastic pollution. 

Together, members of youth summer camps, Mutual of Omaha associates and local volunteers gathered on the riverbanks to clean up trash that could otherwise travel downstream and threaten freshwater and marine ecosystems. What they found ranged from plastic bottles to wrappers, all of which were collected with care and purpose. 

“This area has one of the most biodiverse freshwater ecosystems of any temperate region on Earth,” Dr. Rae said. “When we have healthy, thriving freshwater systems, we have a healthier planet. Everything is connected.” 

That message of connection and conservation resonated throughout the day and beyond. 

Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant with Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild assists with a river cleanup at Renaissance Park.

A community united for clean water 

Wild Kingdom has long been dedicated to raising awareness about protecting wildlife, and the Tennessee River cleanup brought that mission to life. The event was more than just a cleanup; it was an opportunity to inspire action and educate future conservationists. 

“Today, Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom paired with local youth, community groups and Washed Ashore to help clean up the riverbank,” said Brad Parks, conservation/education director at Washed  Ashore. “This effort not only made the park more enjoyable but prevented litter from entering the river and ultimately reaching our oceans.” Washed Ashore is a nonprofit that creates sculptures from debris washed up on waterways to educate about plastic pollution.  

Inspiring the next generation 

After the river clean up, Dr. Rae met with the Tennessee Aquarium’s summer fellows and younger children from the community, sharing her journey and encouraging them to become advocates for wildlife. 

“I want young people to see that protecting the wild can start with something as simple as picking up trash,” she said. “It may be hot, dirty work, but it’s important, and it’s rewarding.” 

Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant talks with young campers about Bill the Salmon display.

From plastic pollution to powerful art 

The day culminated in a meaningful moment: the unveiling of a Washed Ashore sculpture at the Tennessee Aquarium, a traveling piece previously featured in Galveston, Texas.  and in Wild Kingdom’s “From Trash to Art” story. Handcrafted by Dr. Rae, co-host Peter Gros, and Brad Parks himself, the sculpture is made entirely from ocean-bound plastic and features a vibrant coho salmon named Bill. To dive deeper into coho salmon, check out Protecting the Wild, Season 1, Episode 7, “Eager Beavers.” 

“Creating this sculpture was emotional,” Dr. Rae said “We walked the beaches of Oregon, picked up buckets of plastic, and turned that frustration into something beautiful. Sorting colors, using power tools, and working with real artists reminded me that there are many ways to make a difference.” 

Bill is more than just art. He is a symbol of resilience, a call to action, and a reminder that ocean health starts upstream. 

Parks agreed, “Bill helps us think about plastic pollution and the connection between freshwater and ocean habitats. Whether you live on the coast or far inland, your actions matter.” 

How you can help reduce water pollution 

Join Wild Kingdom and our partners in protecting wildlife by: 

  • Participating in local cleanups 
  • Reducing single-use plastics 
  • Educating others about the impact of pollution on freshwater and ocean ecosystems 

Looking for even more ways to make a difference? Check out these five wildlifefriendly New Year’s resolutions that you can adopt year-round. 

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