Marlin Perkins was a renowned American zoologist and television personality who hosted the popular show Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom from 1963 to 1985. He was also the director of several zoos, including the St. Louis Zoo, the Buffalo Zoo, and the Lincoln Park Zoo. He was a pioneer of the nature documentary genre and the environmental movement, as he brought the wonders of wildlife to millions of viewers around the world. But how did he die, and what legacy did he leave behind?
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Marlin Perkins Cause of Death: Lymphoma
According to Wikipedia, Marlin Perkins died on June 14, 1986, at the age of 81, from lymphatic cancer, also known as lymphoma. Lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that affects the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system. It can cause symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes, fever, weight loss, fatigue, and night sweats. There are many types and subtypes of lymphoma, and the treatment and prognosis vary depending on the stage and aggressiveness of the disease.
Perkins was diagnosed with lymphoma in 1985, and underwent chemotherapy and radiation therapy. He continued to host his show until a few months before his death, despite his declining health. He died at his home in Clayton, Missouri, surrounded by his family and friends. He was buried at the Park Cemetery in Carthage, Missouri, his birthplace.
Marlin Perkins Biography: A Life Dedicated to Animals
Marlin Perkins was born on March 28, 1905, in Carthage, Missouri. He developed an early interest in animals, especially reptiles, and kept a collection of snakes, frogs, coyotes, and raccoons under his aunt’s house and in a neighbor’s hayloft. He attended the University of Missouri, but dropped out to work at the St. Louis Zoo as a maintenance worker. He soon became the curator of the reptile exhibit, and expanded it to more than 500 animals.
He later became the director of the Buffalo Zoo and the Lincoln Park Zoo, where he improved the facilities and the animal collections. He also participated in several expeditions, such as the 1960 Himalayan expedition to search for the legendary Yeti with Sir Edmund Hillary. He was the host of Zoo Parade, a television program that featured him narrating the activities of the animals at the Lincoln Park Zoo. He was bitten by several venomous snakes during his career, including a timber rattlesnake, a cottonmouth, and a Gaboon viper, but survived each incident.
In 1962, he returned to the St. Louis Zoo as its director, and created the show that made him famous, Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom. The show was sponsored by the insurance company Mutual of Omaha, and featured Perkins and his co-hosts, such as Jim Fowler and Peter Gros, traveling to various locations around the world and observing and interacting with different animals. The show was a huge success, and won several Emmy Awards and Peabody Awards. It also raised awareness and appreciation for wildlife conservation and environmental issues among the public.
Perkins was married twice, first to Elise More, with whom he had a daughter, and then to Carol Morse Cotsworth, who survived him. He was also a recipient of many honors and awards, such as the National Wildlife Federation’s Conservation Achievement Award, the Audubon Medal, and the Explorers Club Medal. He also had several species of animals named after him, such as the Perkins’ mud turtle, the Perkins’ dwarf gecko, and the Perkins’ spiny mouse.
Marlin Perkins Legacy: A Lasting Influence on Animal Lovers
Marlin Perkins was one of the most influential and beloved figures in the history of wildlife television and conservation. He inspired generations of animal lovers, zoologists, naturalists, and environmentalists with his passion, knowledge, and charisma. He also contributed to the advancement of zoology, animal welfare, and wildlife preservation through his work at various zoos and his involvement in various organizations and projects.
His show, Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom, is considered a classic and a landmark in the field of nature documentary. It was one of the first shows to use color film, aerial photography, and remote cameras to capture the beauty and diversity of wildlife. It also showcased the challenges and dangers faced by animals and humans in the natural world, and the importance of protecting and respecting them. The show was syndicated and rerun for many years after Perkins’ death, and was revived in 2002 with new episodes and hosts.
Perkins’ influence can be seen in many other wildlife shows and personalities that followed him, such as David Attenborough, Steve Irwin, Jeff Corwin, and Jack Hanna. He also inspired many people to pursue careers or hobbies related to animals, such as veterinarians, biologists, zookeepers, wildlife photographers, and animal activists. He also left a lasting impression on the millions of viewers who watched his show and learned from him about the wonders and mysteries of the animal kingdom.
Marlin Perkins cause of death was a sad loss for the world, but his life was a remarkable gift for the world. He was a man who loved animals and shared his love with others. He was a man who made a difference and left a legacy. He was a man who will always be remembered and admired by animal lovers everywhere.
