Marlin Perkins

Perkins bottle feeding a young kangaroo (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marlin_Perkins (Unknown))

In the middle of showing his audience all the fantastic animals he works with, Marlin Perkins has his famous open mouth smile on. He is an inspiration to all animals' lover and enthusiasts. Marlin Perkins, the household name, has been with me ever since a young boy. I have always been interested in animals ever since the age of six, and Marlin is a famous Zoologist. I want to be a zoologist when I grow up, and be an inspiration just like Mr. Perkins. Yet, for now my primary job is a student at Capo Valley High School.

Perkins working on his show "Wild Kingdom" (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0674002/ (unknown))

According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook Website, Zoologist and wildlife biologist study, research, and work with animals in either controlled or wild environments. Normally working outside in the field, Zoologist and wildlife biologist have to react to their surroundings. The collecting of data and putting it into readable format is the most important job for the Zoologist and wildlife biologist. They at least need a bachelor degree, but a master or Ph., D is recommended. Zoologist and wildlife biologist also need outdoor experience, and job experience like volunteer or internship at rescue centers or zoos. The average salary for a Zoologist and wildlife biologist is $59,680 with an outlook of 4%. This outlook is beyond low so only the best of the best make it. Biomedical and Biochemical scientists are some commonly known related careers. Overall, Zoologist and wildlife biologist are very competitive in the research and study of animals.

The St. Louis Zoo website of history states that Marlin Perkins as a young kid was also interested in animals. He ran around in the forest behind his house catching animal after animal. After catching enough animals, he started a small zoo of snakes, mice, worms and toads. The zoo was located in his Aunt Laura's farm. Perkins enrolled at the University of Missouri for zoology, but At the age of 21, he dropped out and started working for the St. Louis Zoo. After two weeks working at the zoo, he was promoted to head reptile keeper. A total of 6 reptiles were in the zoo at this time. Perkins had a new way of created reptile enclosures that brought huge crowds. Within 2 years of working at the zoo he was named Curator of Reptiles. "During the following 11 years, Marlin added to the collection to a total of 500 animals." Stated by the St. Louis Zoo website. Perkins moved zoo to zoo ending up in Chicago with a new career, television. He worked on his show "Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom" and became a household name. He worked on this show until he died on June 14, 1986.

Marlin working with a tiger on "Wild Kingdom" (https://ladyofthezoos.com/wildlife-ambassadors/mar (Unknown))

Marlin Perkins brought enjoyment to the zoo lovers. He brought fantastically designed exhibits to the St. Louis Zoo, and became a household name on his show "Wild Kingdom". He taught the people about all kinds of animals including tigers, bears, eagles, and kangaroos. He was an outstanding person in the work place and at heart. He started foundations for animal research at the St. Louis Zoo. The St. Louis Zoo founded "The Marlin Perkins Society" to carry on his dream of endangered species living, and repopulation. This organization grew from 48 members and $1,000 dollars in research, to 1,100 members and over $21 million dollars in research. Marlin Perkins also has a statue that reads, "Nature might stand up to him and say, this was a man." This quote was said by Shakespeare but accurately describes the life of Marlin Perkins.

Marlin working with his co worker Jim Fowler (http://starvingofftheland.com/2009/11/the-sky-is-f (Unknown))

I want to be just like Marlin Perkins, and excel in the study of Zoology and Wildlife Biology. I will set goals to take specific classes, so I can enroll in a college with a good zoology program and near a zoo. At college, I will try and get an internship, volunteer, or even get a job at the zoo. Some colleges I'm looking at are UCLA and UCSD because they are good schools with zoos relatively close to the campus. After I'm out of college, I plan on getting a job at a zoo or research center, and living a happy life. Research in animal behavior would be interesting to do. Behavior of animals is always changing, and finding out exactly why they are doing what they are doing would be an amazing experience in my opinion. Overall, I want to be as qualified as Perkins was, and succeed greatly just like he did. Marlin Perkins truly is the biggest role model in my life.