The Zoo Has Animal Show Host’s Support

Teddy bears and Simba from “The Lion King” just don’t cut it for Jim Fowler.

The Wild Kingdom host fears children will grow up without ever looking into the eyes of a wild animal, never feeling the power of gazing at something non-human.

“Stuffed animals and movies aren’t enough,” says Fowler. “We have to have some way to stay connected to the earth, to the natural world.”

For many in today’s society, that means zoos. And Fowler, who will visit Spokane and Coeur d’Alene on Saturday, makes it his mission to educate people on wildlife and the importance of zoos in society.

Fowler will discuss that importance as well as hold a photograph and book-signing at Walk in the Wild from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday. He also will attend a wine and cheese reception in his honor at The Coeur d’Alene Resort at 7 p.m. Saturday. Both events are open to the public.

In addition to hosting Wild Kingdom, Fowler travels around the country educating people on wildlife and its link to humans.

“I feel it’s very, very important to have a center for the natural world and have people connected with the reality of the effect their actions have on the earth,” Fowler said earlier this week.

That connection is possible at places like Walk in the Wild, says Fowler, only if the mission and message of the zoo are strong and if the animals are well cared for.

The cost to the daytime event is regular zoo admission.

The evening event is $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Call 924-7221 for tickets.

All proceeds go to benefit the Cedar Mountain Zoo at North Idaho’s Silverwood Theme Park, the new location for Walk in the Wild. Zoo supporters are trying to raise $2 million to complete the move.

, DataTimes