The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson had its fair share of memorable moments, and one such moment occurred when Jim Fowler appeared as a guest. Fowler, who was the host of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom and the TV series Wildlife and Adventure, brought along some fascinating animals to the show.
One of the animals that made an appearance was an African spring hare, which resembles something straight out of a Star Wars movie. This creature can jump astonishingly high in the air, making it quite a spectacle. Fowler explained that the spring hare is not a baby kangaroo, as many might assume, but is actually related more to squirrels. The audience watched in awe as the spring hare used its front feet like hands to eat an apple.
But that wasn’t the only intriguing animal to grace the set that day. Fowler then introduced a giant fruit bat, which he referred to as an “industrial strength bat.” This bat, found in India, had impressive wing span and was quite hefty. Johnny Carson, clearly a little uneasy, helped Fowler hold the bat, ensuring that the audience was captivated by this unusual creature.
As if that wasn’t enough excitement, Fowler didn’t stop there. He brought out a male sea lion named Kena, who weighed a whopping 500 pounds. Fowler showcased the sea lion’s incredible catching abilities, as it effortlessly snatched fish out of the air. The sea lion’s agility and strength were truly remarkable, and it even demonstrated the ability to climb up rocks despite its massive size.
The segment concluded with Fowler successfully guiding Kena back into his cage, much to the relief of everyone involved. It was undoubtedly a thrilling and unforgettable episode of The Tonight Show, leaving the audience in awe of the incredible animals and Fowler’s expertise in handling them.
This particular episode of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson proves why the talk show has remained a beloved source of entertainment throughout the years. With its engaging guests, lively conversations, and unexpected surprises, it continues to captivate audiences even to this day. Whether it’s watching animals leap through the air or witnessing the fearless Johnny Carson face off against a giant bat, it’s clear that The Tonight Show knows how to keep its viewers on their toes.
So, if you’re a fan of wild adventures and thrilling encounters with animals, make sure to catch episodes of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson featuring Jim Fowler. You never know what kind of exciting surprises might await you on this iconic talk show.
