Daktari is a captivating American family drama that graced CBS from 1966 to 1969. Produced by Ivan Tors Films in collaboration with MGM Television, the series features Marshall Thompson as Dr. Marsh Tracy, a dedicated veterinarian working at the fictional Wameru Study Center for Animal Behavior in East Africa.
Set against the stunning backdrop of the African landscape, the show beautifully blends heartwarming stories about animal care and conservation with the challenges of living and working in the wild.
With its charming characters and engaging plots, Daktari left a lasting impact on audiences, fostering a love for wildlife and the importance of protecting our natural world.
The Stars of Daktari: Celebrating the Talented Actors Who Brought the Jungle to Life
- Marshall Thompson as Dr. Marsh Tracy: A compassionate veterinarian dedicated to animal care and conservation.
- Cheryl Miller as Paula Tracy: Dr. Tracy’s spirited daughter, who often accompanies him on adventures.
- Hedley Mattingly as District Officer Hedley: Adds a touch of authority to the team.
- Hari Rhodes as Mike Makula: A close friend and ally of Dr. Tracy.
- Yale Summers as Jack Dane : Contributed to the series’ dynamic storylines during his time on the show.
- Ross Hagen as Bart Jason : Joined the cast in the later seasons, adding depth to the narrative.
- Erin Moran as Jenny Jones : Known for her vibrant performances, she brought energy to the show.
- Judy the Chimp: A beloved character whose playful antics added charm and humor to the series.
Where was Daktari Filmed?
Daktari was filmed in a mix of breathtaking African locations and a unique ranch in California, creating a captivating viewing experience. According to the show’s closing credits, it was “filmed in Africa and Africa USA.” Here are the highlights of the filming locations:
- Mikumi National Park, Tanzania: The series showcased stunning African landscapes and wildlife, lending authenticity to the show’s conservation themes.
- Africa U.S.A.: A 600-acre wild-animal ranch created by animal trainers Ralph and Toni Helfer, located in Soledad Canyon, about 40 miles north of Los Angeles. This ranch served as a primary filming location, where many outdoor scenes were shot.
- Animal Coordinator Ralph Helfer: He played a key role in managing the animals featured in the series, ensuring their well-being and helping to create realistic interactions with the cast.
- Mozambique: Leonard B. Kaufman, the producer, noted that some scenes were filmed near a ranch once owned by Antonio Pinto’s father in Mozambique, further enhancing the African vibe.
- California Compound: While many outdoor shots were filmed at Africa U.S.A., the series also integrated footage of actual African landscapes and animals to capture the essence of the continent.
- Notable Animal Appearances: Some animals, like a tiger and an Indian elephant, appeared in the show, despite being native to regions outside Africa, adding an unexpected twist to the series.
- Ivan Tors’ Studios, Florida: Indoor and some outdoor scenes, particularly those set in the animal hospital, were filmed at these studios, allowing for a controlled filming environment.
This blend of real African settings and the California ranch helped create the vibrant and adventurous world of Daktari.
Daktari: A Journey of Healing and Adventure in the Wild
Daktari revolves around the adventures of Dr. Marsh Tracy, his daughter Paula, and their dedicated team as they work tirelessly to protect animals from poachers and corrupt officials. The show features memorable characters, including Dr. Tracy’s beloved pets: Clarence, a cross-eyed lion, and Judy the chimpanzee, both of whom captured the hearts of viewers.
Inspired by the 1965 film Clarence, the Cross-Eyed Lion, which starred Marshall Thompson and Cheryl Miller, Daktari was developed by producer Ivan Tors, drawing from the real-life efforts of Dr. Antonie Marinus Harthoorn and his wife Sue at their animal orphanage in Nairobi.
Dr. Harthoorn, known as “Daktari” by the local Swahili people, was a passionate advocate for animal rights and helped create the capture gun. While Clarence the lion became a fan favorite, he didn’t perform all his stunts; a stand-in lion named Leo, trained by Ralph Helfer, was used for scenes involving trucks, as Clarence was afraid of large vehicles.
Leo even had makeup applied to mimic Clarence’s unique appearance. A more aggressive lion, also named Leo, was employed for snarling scenes, showcasing the dangers of animal mistreatment.
In the show’s final season, child star Erin Moran joined the cast as Jenny Jones, a seven-year-old orphan who becomes a cherished member of the Tracy household, adding a new layer of warmth and connection to the beloved series.
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