Marlin Perkins--America's most well know Zoo Personality

Perkins began his career with the St. Louis Zoo in 1926 as a sweeper. With the donation of his personal collection of reptiles he rapidly rose to the position of Curator of Reptiles. In September, 1938, Perkins accepted the Curatorship of the Buffalo Zoological Gardens developing it into a modern and attractive small zoo. In May, 1944, he was appointed Director of the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, and under his direction the Lincoln Park Zoo became internationally known. Dr. Perkins returned to St. Louis accepting the Directorship of the St. Louis Zoo on October 1, 1962. Upon his retirement in 1970, he was named Director Emeritus of the St. Louis Zoo, a position he held until his death in 1986.

During his early years at the Lincoln Park Zoo, Perkins began his remarkable career in television. Dr Perkins' television venture include the award winning, "Zoo Parade", which was seen on television from 1949 to 1957, and "Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom:, which was first aired in 1961 and continued to run for twenty-six seasons, winning four Emmy Awards.

Although he never returned to complete his formal education, Perkins was the recipient of numerous honorary degrees. Dr. Perkins remained extremely active in education and conservation throughout his life. His efforts included involvement with the American Cancer Society, involvement with public education regarding wildlife conservation, international consultation for zoo development and wildlife conservation, and the establishment and development of The Canid Survival and Research Center Wolf Sanctuary in 1971.