Stephanie Arne is an accomplished international wildlife conservationist, expedition guide, TV personality, and a spirited and engaging storyteller. ​
She is the former host of Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom and appeared on Animal Planet, The Weather Channel, the Harry Connick Jr. Show, and The Drew Barrymore Show. She has also been a brand ambassador for Scubapro and CuriosityStream. Her insight has earned her a seat on the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Lion SAFE (Saving Animals from Extinction) committee and the International Union of Conservation Nature's (IUCN) Education and Communication Commission.
Stephanie has worked with – and learned from – conservation leaders, oil spill responders, microplastic experts, ecotourism CEOs, farmers, fishermen in Africa, Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and the United States. Steph and her husband, wildlife artist Tim Davison, lived in a 180 sq.ft—tiny house featured on Tiny House Big Living on HGTV for five years; two on a U.S. speaking tour focused on sustainable living and three parked in California during the pandemic.
Stephanie aims to empower future conservationists and humanity to be better stewards of our shared natural world. Her mission is to show audiences examples of how passionate people sharing diverse perspectives, unique talents, and skills solve complex conservation issues. Working together, these stewards help increase biodiversity and create a healthier planet for all living things.
Today, Stephanie is running eco-tours and public speaking all over the globe. She was formerly the Director of Conservation for the Sioux Falls Zoo and Aquarium and, before that, the Director of Education for Endangered Wolf Center, founded by celebrity Wild Kingdom host Dr. Marlin Perkins and his wife Carol; she is also the former online host of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom furthering her commitment to the Perkin’s work.
Steph is passionate about ecology and wildlife, but she is also fascinated with history and sustainable living. She was featured on Nebraska Public Media as the host of “Adventures in History: Discovering Nebraska’s State Historical Parks” and an episode of the HGTV series “Tiny House, Big Living.”
conservation credentials
Career
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President of Creative Animal, Inc.
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Sioux Falls Zoo and Aquarium - Director of Conservation
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The Endangered Wolf Center– Director of Education
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PBS- Host of Adventures in History: Discovery of Nebraska's State Historical Parks
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CuriosityStream- Ambassador of Wildlife Conservation
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CuriosityStream- Cities of the Sea Documentary
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Shark Angels- Ambassador
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Association of Zoos and Aquariums- Finding your Hereos Host
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Scubapro- DeepElite Brand Ambassador
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Honolulu Zoological Society– Education Outreach Coordinator​
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3 Islands Whale Shark Dive, Australia- Naturalist
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Reef Trips, Australia- Naturalist & Dive Guide
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Sea World, San Diego- Education Specialist
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San Diego Zoological Society– Education Specialist
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Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium– Education Coordinator
Education
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South Dakota State University – B.S. – Education, Human/Animal Development & Behavior
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Graduated with honors
Memberships
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Professional Member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums
Boards
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Friends of the Big Sioux River
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Creative Animal Foundation, Co-Founder/Board President
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Alaska SeaLife Center, Advisory Board
Awards
Regina Mossotti
Conservation Biologist
Vice President of
Animal Care at the
Saint Louis Zoo
"I met Stephanie as the host of Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom in 2016. Immediatly I could see her passion and enthusiasm were infectious. Her professionalism, skill, and knowledge were exceptional. This combination makes her an incredible storyteller that creates connection to, and empathy for, wildlife that creates lifelong stewardship for our natural world in anyone lucky enough to hear her or engage with her."
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Mike Malone
Cinematographer and Director of Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom Web Series 2013-2018
"Behind every great wildlife story is an unsung hero who translates nature's complexity into captivating moments. I witnessed Stephanie transcend the typical host role. She doesn't just simply narrate- she orchestrates conversations between species and viewers. Her rare ability to communicate with both skittish wildlife and skeptical humans created authentic moments impossible to script. Steph doesn't just talk about conservation; she embodies the bridge between diverse perspectives that our planet desperately needs. Her storytelling doesn't just educate-it inspires action that ripples far beyond the screen."
Dr. Kathayoon Khalil
Vice President of
Conservation at the
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
"Stephanie is unique in this world. Her passion, talents, and voice are critical to the work that we do as conservationists and her ideas deserve to be heard. I've worked with Steph for almost ten years; her enthusiasm is contagious and her ability to tell moving stories is unparalleled. Get to know Steph and your life will be changed!"
Dr. Jacqueline Ogden
Retired, Vice President,
Disney's Animals, Science and Environment, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts
"I have known Stephanie for over 10 years. She is deeply passionate about conservation, and I’ve always been impressed with her ability to not only convey this passion, but to inspire people to act on behalf of wildlife. She is skilled at working with many types of audiences in a wide variety of settings, as well as using many forms of media to inspire people. Stephanie understands the magic of telling stories to impact people. Over my career I’ve met many, many people in conservation and environmental education, and she ranks amongst the best storytellers I’ve known. Our planet is lucky to have her, as are the people she comes in contact with."