Marlin Perkins

Marlin Perkins came to the St. Louis Zoo in 1926 to work with the reptile collection. He became curator of the Buffalo Zoo in 1938.

As director of Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo in 1949, he created the Peabody Award-winning television show Zoo Parade. In 1962 Perkins returned to the St. Louis Zoo as director.

He debuted Wild Kingdom in 1963, hosting it until 1985. Winner of four Emmy Awards, it taught a generation about animals in their habitats and is in the Television Hall of Fame. The American Association of Zoological Parks & Aquariums’ top honor for achievement has been named the Marlin Perkins Award.

Marlin Perkins is known for work in acting across film and television. New Release currently presents 4 verified screen credits connected to this profile.

Selected work includes Dian Fossey: Ihr Leben für die Gorillas (2025), Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom (1963), The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (1962), The Mike Douglas Show (1961). The recorded credits span 1961 to 2025, including 1 movie and 3 TV shows.

The filmography below lists available titles, release years and known roles. This profile is updated as additional verified information becomes available.