Jul 15, 2009 3 min read

The Windy Ridge Wildlife Refuge in Acme featured a few additional animals Monday, although only for a few hours. Peter Gros, co-host of Mutual of Omaha’s “Wild Kingdom,” visited the refuge in the morning, along with a few special, wild guests. The event was a fundraiser for Windy Ridge, which is a nonprofit, all-volunteer wildlife rehabilitation facility started by Gretchen Weslager, a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Since 1992, the facility has saved more than 8,000 wild animals, and as Mutual of Omaha representative David Breakwell pointed out, those animals could have a significant impact in nature.

“When you take them out of the ecosystem, it makes a big difference,” Breakwell said.

All of the animals in the presentation were hand-raised and accustomed to people, associating them with food. The animals shown included a Eurasian Eagle Owl, California Kingsnake, Python, alligator, possum, and African Porcupine. Those attending were even allowed to touch some of the animals, such as the snakes, which the children present especially enjoyed.

“Kids are the best because their eyes are wide open when they see an animal up close, as well as their minds, and this generation wants to be involved with the natural world,” Gros said.

His own interest in animals and nature began when he was a child.

“I was raised in an area not unlike this, surrounded by wildlife and woodlands and natural ponds. Habitat areas were a natural playground,” Gros said.

He was even a fan of “Wild Kingdom.” The show first aired in 1963, and Gros joined in 1985. He was invited by the show’s host at the time, Jim Fowler, after they appeared on Johnny Carson together.

Gros wants to spread a positive message about wildlife conservation, especially to kids.

“This generation has heard so much doom and gloom about the state of our planet that I find that many children are afraid it’s too late to save it,” Gros said. “I feel it’s imperative that we point out all the recent successes to give them hope.”

He also stressed how important conservation is.

“You can’t assume it’s OK for a species to just disappear. All things in nature are related,” Gros said.

However, wild animals do not make good pets. Gros feels strongly that they belong in the wild. “Wild animals do not belong in the hands of private parties as pets,” he said.

After the presentation, Gros posed for pictures and signed autographs.

Tuesday afternoon, Gros was headed for a visit to the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium for a similar event.

“I’m looking forward to it,” Gros said.

He plans to speak about filming the show, as well as conservation projects in the United States and worldwide, and hopes to speak to more children.

“Wild Kingdom” airs on the Animal Planet channel Sundays at 7 p.m. Peter Gros (far right), co-host of Mutual of Omaha?s ?Wild Kingdom,? talks about the giant Burmese python being held by (from left) Laurie DeAngelo of Markleysburg, Beverly Braverman of White and Lee Zavislak of Washington on Monday. Gros was visiting the Windy Ridge Wildlife Refuge in Acme. Ed Cope/Herald-Standard