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Honolulu wildlife educator Stephanie Arne has won a national online contest to become the new Wild Guide for the reboot of “Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom.”
Arne and Charles Lee, also of Honolulu, were among 12 semifinalists competing for the $10,000 prize and chance to become the host of the online version of a TV show many Americans consider a television classic.
Arne and her video submission won through online voting.
“The Wild Kingdom Wild Guide process has been mind blowing. I’ve realized that so many of my life experiences have prepared me for the role of Wild Guide,” Arne said, in a statement. “I’m so grateful to everyone who helped me get to this point. I was made to teach people about wildlife and show how they can help protect the planet that we share. I’m ready!”
The online TV episodes will be what producers call a high-impact, mini-episode version of the classic Wild Kingdom program, redefined for today’s audiences.
Arne has coordinated and led outreach programs for the Honolulu Zoological Society, reaching some 7,000 children each year. She also has conducted marine biology snorkeling tours in Australia and directed youth adventure camps in Japan, according to the Mutual of Omaha announcement.
