Wildlife advocate Jim Fowler dies at 89

ALBANY — Jim Fowler, a wildlife advocate who was instrumental in the foundation of Chehaw park, died of natural causes Wednesday at his home in Connecticut.

He was 89.

The news of Fowler’s death comes as a feature is on its way to Chehaw to honor him.

The Washington Post described Fowler on Thursday as “the khaki-clad naturalist who helped bring the wonders of the natural world to millions of viewers.” He was the co-host of “Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom,” where he became known for wrangling snakes and tigers and leaping from a helicopter to tag a moose.

Before his television career began, he carried out expeditions to Africa, where he lived with the Kalahari Bushmen, and to South America, where he conducted research on the harpy, the world’s largest eagle, and the Andean Condor.

His family announced the death in a newsletter, which was provided to The Albany Herald by Chehaw on Thursday.

“We are sad that Uncle Jim died on at 2 a.m. May 8 in his own bed with his wife, our Aunt Betsey, beside him,” the newsletter said. “We are glad to have honored him on the farm just a month ago.

“Last year, a good friend, and the director of Chehaw (Don Meeks), in Albany, Georgia, which Uncle Jim founded in the late ’70s, shared his vision of creating an interactive display at the park. Uncle Jim was very enthusiastic about this project. Friends and family have asked how we wish to honor our Uncle, who dedicated his life to the natural world and wildlife education.”

The newsletter describes the interactive display planned and how the community can contribute to its establishment.

“Chehaw and Fowler Farms LLC are partnering to raise funds for, and then create, a ‘Jim Fowler Experience,’” the newsletter said. “Our goal is to build an attractive, educational and interactive site at the entrance to Chehaw park.

“We want to honor Jim for his many years of conservation and nature education and to follow his dreams of keeping people, young and old alike, involved and in touch with wildlife and the natural world. We will also rebuild Jim’s Tree House on Mud Creek Farm and ‘a night on the farm’ can be used in our partnership with Chehaw as a raffle prize in the future. Donations can be made through Chehaw and should be earmarked for the ‘Jim Fowler Experience.’”

Fowler was born in Albany on April 9, 1930, and was one of five sons. His widow, Betsey Fowler, along with her children, Mark Fowler and Carrie Fowler Stowe, both of whom were born in Albany, released a statement that spoke of his achievements.

He is the recipient of the Explorers Club’s highest honor, The Explorers Medal. He was granted membership in the club in 1960. He grew up on his family’s farm, where he first bonded with nature. By age 11, was training birds of prey.

“Inspiring families to make a connection with the natural world was the primary goal of the free-roaming wildlife parks that he designed and created in Charleston, S.C., and his hometown of Albany,” the statement from his family said. “His home of 30 years in New Canaan, Conn., is now a 50-acre land trust preserve called the Silvermine Fowler Preserve for all to enjoy. One of the most influential personalities in nature programming, Jim inspired millions to care about wildlife and nature and inspired countless zoologists, wildlife educators and other professionals who have dedicated their careers to helping preserve the natural world and the animals and habitat in it.

“His impact as a spokesperson for our planet will be felt for generations to come.”

Fowler’s widow is a wildlife artist, and his son is the vice president of wildlife conservation at the Explorers Club and Nature Initiative Director at Grace Farms, where he works to save African wildlife from poaching and trafficking. His daughter hosted the family’s Emmy-nominated TV series, “Life In the Wild,” and is an advocate for the environment.

Fowler’s grandchildren, Avery and Brinton, have taken on the love of the outdoors and are continuing his legacy by focusing on preserving and protecting the future of wildlife.

“He also recently completed his autobiography called ‘Jim Fowler’s Wild Life’ (to be released soon), and loved reminiscing about the good old days as he told stories around the campfire with friends and family,” his family said. “Jim was always focused on the big picture of nature and our human relationship to it and always said that how we treat the earth is directly related to our human quality of life and our own future.

“Fowler’s wish has always been that all he inspired would continue to advocate for wildlife and the natural world and get out and explore.”

Fowler was the longtime sidekick to Marlin Perkins, the zoologist who hosted “Wild Kingdom” from its premiere in 1963 until Perkins’ retirement in 1985, after which Fowler took over. Fowler also hosted “Mutual of Omaha’s Spirit of Adventure,” served as the wildlife correspondent for NBC’s “Today” show and was a frequent guest on “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.”

He and his programs received four Emmy Awards.

In the Albany area, Fowler is known for overseeing what has become one of the region’s most popular attractions. Officials from Chehaw released a statement Thursday recognizing Fowler and his accomplishments.

“Today we celebrate the amazing life and legacy of Jungle Jim Fowler,” the statement from the park said. “Host of the Emmy Award-winning ‘Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom,’ he has inspired millions to care about wildlife and the natural world. A pioneer in education and conservation, his vision for a wildlife park without concrete, bars and cages proved he was ahead of his time.

“Chehaw and the city of Albany commissioned Jim to design and supervise the construction of the original wildlife park at Chehaw in the ’70s. Working closely with Jim and his family over the years has truly been a privilege and we will miss him dearly.”

Special Photo