6 Things You Never Knew About ‘Daktari’
Premiering in 1966, the CBS series Daktari was unlike anything else on television at the time. Set at a fictional animal research center in East Africa, the show followed veterinarian Dr. Marsh Tracy (Marshall Thompson), his daughter Paula (Cheryl Miller), and their dedicated team as they rescued wildlife and treated injured animals, all while fighting off poachers. A spin-off of the film Clarence, the Cross-Eyed Lion, the series became a hit thanks to its blend of adventure, heartwarming moments and a cast that included both humans and some seriously talented animal actors, including Judy the Chimpanzee.
Whether you watched it for the striped Jeep, the cross-eyed lion or the exotic scenery, here are some fascinating facts you might not know about this wild and wonderful series:
1 The series was inspired by real-life animal heroes
Russ Halford/TV Guide/Everett Collection
While Daktari may have been a fictional show, its heart came from real life. Producer Ivan Tors was inspired by the work of Dr. Antonie Marinus Harthoorn and his wife Sue, who ran an animal orphanage in Nairobi. Dr. Harthoorn wasn’t just a kind-hearted vet; he also invented the capture gun, which revolutionized the safe capture of wild animals. Locals called him “Daktari,” Swahili for “doctor,” and that nickname became the title of a show that aimed to celebrate animal care and conservation.
2 Clarence the Cross-Eyed Lion wasn’t the only star on four legs
Richard Hewitt/TV Guide/Everett Collection
Clarence might’ve had the spotlight, but he didn’t always do his own stunts. The lion was scared of large vehicles, so another lion named Leo (once known as Zamba) filled in for truck scenes and close-ups. Leo even had a makeup artist who helped him look like Clarence, scarring and all. Another stand-in Leo was used just for snarling shots.
3 A future TV icon got her start on the show
Everett Collection
In the final season of Daktari, a spunky seven-year-old orphan named Jenny Jones joined the cast — and she was played by none other than Erin Moran in her first big role. Long before she became Joanie Cunningham on Happy Days, Moran brought sweetness and curiosity to the African bush as Jenny, giving the Tracy household a new dynamic and helping the show connect with a younger audience.
4 It was filmed in California
Russ Halford/TV Guide/Everett Collection
Although Daktari takes place in East Africa, most of it was actually filmed in Soledad Canyon, California, at a 600-acre wild animal ranch known as Africa U.S.A. To add realism, producers spliced in footage from actual African landscapes and animals, but they also accidentally included creatures like tigers and Indian elephants, which aren’t native to Africa. Oops.
5 Its music was just as wild as its plot
Everett Collection
The theme music for Daktari had a distinct sound that set it apart. Jazz drummer Shelly Manne composed a soundtrack that blended African rhythms with a cool jazz feel; he even brought in exotic instruments like ankle jingles, Thai mouth organs and multiple types of marimbas. The result was a soundscape that made every episode feel like a true safari adventure and the album he released from the show became a collector’s favorite.
6 Clarence was nicknamed “Shirley Temple”
Everett Collection
Clarence’s gentle demeanor and charming appearance earned him the affectionate nickname “the Shirley Temple of the lion world,” as noted by producer Ivan Tors. Born cross-eyed, a condition known as strabismus, Clarence’s unique look made him stand out, and his sweet temperament captivated audiences. Originally named Freddie, he was discovered at the Africa U.S.A. animal training compound in California. Clarence’s condition inspired Tors to create the 1965 film Clarence, the Cross-Eyed Lion, which later spun off into the TV series. Clarence was also seen as Kitty-Kat in an episode of The Addams Family series in 1966.
Share in the comments some of your favorite episodes of Daktari or your favorite animal from the series.
Classic TV Shows of the ’50s & ’60s
September 2020
Test your knowledge, from Bonanza and Gunsmoke to I Love Lucy, I Dream of Jeannie, Star Trek and more fun TV of the 1950s and 1960s.
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