Daktari (1966)
The classic CBS family adventure following a dedicated veterinarian protecting wildlife in the heart of East Africa.
Daktari - Series Information
- Original Title: Daktari
- First Air Year: 1966
- Last Air Year: 1969
- Created by: Ivan Tors, Art Arthur
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Family, Drama
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (60 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 4
- Number of Episodes: 89
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: January 11, 1966 (Spain - 7)
- Networks: CBS
- Production Companies: MGM Television, Ivan Tors Productions
Daktari - Plot
Daktari is an American children's drama series that aired on CBS between 1966 and 1969. The series, an Ivan Tors Films Production in association with MGM Television, stars Marshall Thompson as Dr. Marsh Tracy, a veterinarian at the fictional Wameru Study Centre for Animal Behaviour in East Africa.
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Daktari - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Ivan Tors
- Art Arthur
Main Cast
- Marshall Thompson
- Hari Rhodes
- Yale Summers
- Ross Hagen
- Hedley Mattingly
- Cheryl Miller
- Erin Moran
- Rex Ingram
- Kenneth Tobey
- Joan Anderson
Writers
- Malvin Wald
Executive Producers
- Ivan Tors
Daktari - FAQs
What is Daktari about?
Daktari follows Dr. Marsh Tracy, an American veterinarian running the fictional Wameru Study Centre for Animal Behaviour in East Africa. Alongside his daughter, a diverse team, and a cast of memorable animals, he works to protect wildlife and help the local community across four seasons on CBS.
What animals were famous on Daktari?
The show's most beloved animal stars were Clarence the cross-eyed lion and Judy the chimpanzee. Clarence became a pop-culture icon of the era, even inspiring a spin-off film. Their on-screen antics gave Daktari much of its warmth and made it a favourite with younger viewers.
Where can you stream Daktari for free?
Daktari is available to watch free on The Roku Channel (with ads) and on Hoopla, which is free through many public library memberships. Both platforms offer a convenient way to revisit this classic CBS series without a subscription fee.
Is Daktari based on a true story?
Daktari was inspired by the 1966 film Clarence, the Cross-Eyed Lion, itself loosely based on the real work of wildlife conservationists in Africa. While Dr. Marsh Tracy is a fictional character, the series reflected genuine mid-1960s interest in African wildlife preservation and conservation efforts.
Who created Daktari and when did it premiere?
Daktari was created by Ivan Tors and Art Arthur, produced through Ivan Tors Productions in association with MGM Television. The series premiered on CBS on January 11, 1966, and ran for four seasons until 1969, accumulating 89 episodes across its run.
Was Daktari well received by audiences and critics?
Daktari was a solid ratings performer during its CBS run, drawing family audiences who appreciated its mix of adventure, wildlife, and wholesome storytelling. It was particularly popular with children and is fondly remembered as a defining piece of 1960s American family television, with a loyal fanbase that persists today.
Where was Daktari filmed?
Despite its East African setting, Daktari was primarily filmed at Africa USA, a private animal park in Soledad Canyon, California. Ivan Tors Productions used the facility's trained animals and naturalistic landscape to convincingly recreate the look and feel of the African savanna on a television budget.
What are some shows similar to Daktari?
Fans of Daktari often enjoy Wild Kratts for its wildlife education angle, Zoo for its dramatic animal-centric storytelling, and Timon and Pumbaa for its African setting and family-friendly humour. Curious George and Tarzan, Lord of the Jungle also share Daktari's spirit of adventure and love of the animal kingdom.
More About Daktari
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