Protecting the Wild Kingdom
Discover the incredible journeys and conservation efforts of Peter Gros and Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant, as they share stories from the ocean's depths and beyond.
In the latest episode of Rising Tide, the Ocean Podcast, host sits down with Peter Gros and Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant, co-hosts of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom: Protecting the Wild. Together, they explore the magic, urgency, and nuance of modern conservation—and the power of storytelling to inspire action.
Gros brings a four-decade-long legacy of wildlife education, spanning from the original Wild Kingdom to today’s reboot. Dr. Wynn-Grant, a wildlife ecologist specializing in carnivore-human interactions, focuses on making science accessible, inclusive, and engaging. Together, they offer an intergenerational perspective on wildlife storytelling and conservation.
Oceans, Bears, and Sharks—Oh My!
The episode begins with first encounters with the ocean. Dr. Wynn-Grant reflects on growing up near San Francisco’s coast yet only truly engaging with the ocean while filming shark stories for Wild Kingdom in her thirties. Gros recalls his teenage revelation along the Pacific Coast, where the vast ocean inspired a lifelong love for diving, sailing, and marine exploration. The conversation moves through tales of zebras and black bears, highlighting Wynn-Grant’s research on the return of black bears to Nevada’s Sierra Nevadas—a reminder that ecological restoration is possible.
Behind the Scenes: From Dream to Reality
Gros’s journey to Wild Kingdom was serendipitous. His work with endangered species led to encounters with legendary hosts, eventually earning him a co-hosting role. Wynn-Grant’s path blends science, storytelling, and representation. From science communicator to co-host, she emphasizes inclusive outreach, inviting historically underrepresented audiences to engage with conservation.
Balancing Wonder and Warning
Both co-hosts stress ethical, authentic portrayals of wildlife. Whether filming rehabilitated polar bears from a distance or using drones to avoid interference, their goal is always to capture genuine behavior. Their approach proves that letting animals behave naturally often yields deeper insights than staged interactions—a philosophy central to Wild Kingdom.
Hopeful Horizons for a Better Tomorrow
Gros and Wynn-Grant acknowledge serious environmental challenges, from habitat loss to species decline. Yet they remain optimistic, pointing to conservation victories like the recovery of bald eagles and black-footed ferrets. Wynn-Grant emphasizes that despite political or personal differences, everyone shares the desire for a healthy planet for future generations. Wild Kingdom’s stories are pathways to hope, resilience, and action.
Tune Into the Tide
Wild Kingdom: Protecting the Wild is more than a TV show—it’s a call to action. Gros and Wynn-Grant continue to inspire audiences to observe, care for, and protect the natural world. Catch their adventures on NBC, Peacock, or streaming platforms, and join them in celebrating and safeguarding the wild.
