Stephanie Arne is an award-winning international conservationist, advocate, naturalist, adventurer, speaker, and TV personality whose passion and enthusiasm for storytelling is both infectious and inspiring.
Stephanie seeks to entertain, educate, enlighten, and inspire a deeper connection to—and protection of—the natural world.
“Passionate people who share diverse perspectives and unique skills can and do solve complex issues. Working together, local and global communities help increase biodiversity and create a healthier planet for all living things.”
Steph has helped transform people’s personal and professional lives via her keynotes, wildlife shows, public appearances, private coaching, digital courses, and art.
Stephanie 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 for Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) Education and Communication Commission.
credentials
Stephanie has collaborated with—and learned from—a diverse network of experts, including conservation leaders, oil spill responders, microplastic researchers, ecotourism CEOs, farmers, and fishermen. Her work has taken her across the globe, with hands-on experience in Africa, Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and the United States.
For five years, Stephanie and her husband, wildlife artist Tim Davison, embraced minimalist living in a 180-square-foot tiny home featured on HGTV’s Tiny House Big Living. During that time, they spent two years traveling across the United States on a speaking tour focused on sustainable living, followed by three years based in California during the pandemic.
Today, Stephanie leads eco-tours and delivers engaging presentations worldwide, inspiring audiences to connect with conservation and sustainability. She previously served as Director of Conservation for the Sioux Falls Zoo & Aquarium, and before that, as Director of Education for the Endangered Wolf Center—founded by Wild Kingdom host Dr. Marlin Perkins and his wife, Carol. Stephanie also carried forward that legacy as an online host for Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom.
While deeply passionate about ecology and wildlife, Stephanie is equally fascinated by history and sustainable living. She was featured as the host of Nebraska Public Media’s Adventures in History: Discovering Nebraska’s State Historical Parks, and has also appeared on HGTV’s Tiny House Big Living.
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 Heroes 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
MEDIA
The Drew
Barrymore Show
2024
SAVING PENGUINS
Association of
Zoos and Aquariums | Film
WOMEN IN THE WILD
Natural 9 Studios
2020 Show Trailer
the Harry
Connick Jr. Show
2018
STATE OF THE EARTH
CuriosityStream
2020 Pilot
Adventures in History
Nebraska State Historical Parks
2021 Documentary
testimonials
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."
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
"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."
coyote
peterson
Co-Founder and Host of
Brave Wilderness
"For over a decade I have known and proudly call Steph a friend, as we both share a great love and appreciation for educating the next generation about wildlife conservation. Her glowing personality is magnetic, which only compliments her witty dialogue when in front of the camera, where I have had the pleasure of working with her on several occasions. In the world of of animals, entertainment, education, and conservation, if there is one person who I can always rely on to give me unbiased, wellfounded, and brutally honest dose of advice of meaningful opinion, its stephanie. Truth be told, I am always looking forward to our next adventure, no matter what or where that may be!"
thea ryan
OLLI
"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."
chris
morgan
Ecologist, Conservationist, Filmmaker & Podcaster
"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!"
casey anderson
Conservationist, Naturalist, & Filmmaker
"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."