Nickelodeon enters the wild kingdom of beasts, dangerous and endangered

Kids can take a walk on the wild side with Nickelodeon’s new magazine-style series Wild Side Show, featuring the animal kingdom’s rare and exotic inhabitants.

Taped at the San Diego Zoo, young hosts and San Diego natives Jessica Duarte and Scott Tunnel will interact with unusual animals and introduce “Wild Adventures,” previously taped segments from across the country that get close to animals in their natural habitats.

Duarte, who collects snakes, and Tunnel, who raises goats and pigs, will explore some rather scary animals, including grizzly bears, alligators and bison, whose lack of fear and tendency to charge make them even scarier than grizzlies.

The show also looks at endangered species, such as manatees, which are examined in the warm water areas of Florida. Because manatees are slow-moving giants, they are often hit by pleasure boats.

Spotted owls, also endangered, are observed in Oregon.

“Wild Side Show” aims to depict sensitivity toward animals and their environment, and points out--to both kids and parents--how to deal with animals in the wild, including what to do if attacked.

Each week, experts accompany Duarte and Tunnel, asking their own--unscripted--questions.

“Wild Adventures” are also planned with wild horses in Arizona and swimming with dolphins.

“Nickelodeon’s Wild Side Show” airs Sunday at 8:30 p.m. on Nickelodeon. For ages 4 and up.

MORE KIDS SHOWS

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