Hyenas Aren't What The Lion King Told You with Dr. Christine Wilkinson

Spotted hyenas aren't on the brink of extinction, but they’re one of the most hated animals on the planet, and that may be the bigger problem. In this episode of Back From The Brink from Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom, Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant sits down with Dr. Christine Wilkinson, carnivore ecologist, co-chair of the IUCN Hyena Specialist Group, and founder of the Humans and Hyenas Alliance, to separate the real hyena from the movie villain. Christine explains why hyenas are apex predators and ecosystem cleaners, what that famous "laugh" actually means, and why the clans are led by females. She also lays out why hyenas are persecuted across their range, and why a species that looks fine on paper still deserves a closer look before it's too late. 

Subscribe for more wildlife stories. 

Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild airs weekends on NBC's "The More You Know" programming block. Co-Hosts Peter Gros and Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant share conservation success stories happening all around us. They take us to wild places as we meet incredible species and the amazing people working to save them. Check your local listings for the airtime in your area. For more information on Protecting the Wild including how to stream full episodes for free, check here: [LINK] 

Media courtesy of Christine Wilkinson, Kathryn Combes, Christine Chepkisich, as part of work funded by National Geographic Society. 

Check us out on our other platforms for more animal facts, wildlife conservation success stories, original series nostalgia and more!  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wildkingdomtv  
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildkingdomtv/  
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wildkingdomtv  

#Podcast #BackFromTheBrink #WildKingdom

What is Back From the Brink, from Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom?

What does it take to save a species on the edge?

From the iconic television show, Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom, comes Back From the Brink, a podcast celebrating the most remarkable comeback stories in the natural world. We meet endangered species that were nearly lost –– some down to their last dozen or hundred –– and learn how they found their way back. Each episode goes deep on a single species and the scientists, conservationists, and unexpected heroes at the forefront of environmental conservation who fought to save them.

About the Hosts:
As a wildlife ecologist, Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant has expertise in uncovering how human activity influences carnivore behavior and ecology. Dr. Wynn-Grant is a recipient of the prestigious Gracie Award, which focuses on women who are making positive change and who further the discussion of what a fulfilling career in media looks like. Honored for her work on Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild, Dr. Wynn-Grant continues to inspire with her passion for wildlife conservation and storytelling.

Peter Gros is a veteran wildlife expert and educator. As the co-host of the Emmy® nominated series, Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild, and narrator of the Back from the Brink podcast, Gros shares conservation success stories and brings a message of hope to motivate audiences to take action in protecting wildlife and their habitats. Gros joined the original Wild Kingdom team in 1985, co-hosting alongside Jim Fowler on the classic series and Mutual of Omaha’s Spirit of Adventure.He has nearly 30 years of field experience with captive wildlife, establishing breeding programs for endangered animals and rehabilitation programs for birds of prey. As a USDA licensed exhibition exhibitor and animal educator, Gros has shared his experiences across the U.S. through the Wild Kingdom Kids Summit, talk show appearances and lectures. He also serves on the board of directors of the Suisun Marsh Natural History Association and is a trustee for the Cheetah Conservation Fund.

About Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom: 
Since its network television premiere in 1963, Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom has been one of the most loved and respected wildlife programs in television history. The Daytime Emmy® nominated Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild, now airing weekends on NBC’s “The More You Know” time block, celebrates stories of conservation success, including the great work of caring, compassionate experts and how they are making a positive impact on the Wild Kingdom. For more information about Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom, visit  www.wildkingdom.com 

8d5eeaf0-9a82-11f1-bf8d-43bb59733871