Fowler died peacefully Wednesday at his home in Norwalk, Connecticut, surrounded by family, said Jennifer Whitney, a spokeswoman for Mutual of Omaha, which sponsored the show.
"Jim was one in a million, and with his passing we’ve lost a true wildlife icon," she said in an email. "His memory will remain through the work he did on Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom, as well as through the many parks, wildlife centers and nature preserves to which he lent his expertise. But perhaps his most important legacy will be the role he played in inspiring the next generation of naturalists and wildlife experts."
"Wild Kingdom" debuted in 1963. Fowler began as an assistant and later became a co-host with Marlin Perkins before taking over as host.
Fowler had his arm swallowed by an anaconda and was charged by a gorilla and other creatures.