Martin Kratt and the Wild Kratts Series
Martin Kratt is a zoologist, educator, and co-creator of the animated series Wild Kratts, which combines live-action segments with animated adventures to teach children about animals and biology. The show, produced by Kratt Brothers Company and 9 Story Media Group, premiered on PBS Kids in 2011 and has since become a staple of educational children's programming. Martin, alongside his brother Chris Kratt, uses the series to present real zoological concepts through fictionalized creature-powered adventures, making complex scientific ideas accessible to young viewers. The series is known for its accurate animal facts, engaging storytelling, and a consistent focus on conservation and respect for wildlife.
The creative team behind Wild Kratts includes Martin Kratt as an executive producer and writer, ensuring that each episode integrates authentic zoological data and real-world animal behaviors. The show's format typically features the Kratt brothers activating "Creature Power Suits" to experience the abilities of specific animals, a concept grounded in biomechanics and ethology. Wild Kratts has aired over 100 episodes across multiple seasons, maintaining a strong presence on PBS Kids and streaming platforms. The series has received multiple awards, including Parents' Choice Awards and Daytime Emmy nominations, reflecting its educational quality and production standards.
Creature Powers, Real Animals, and Educational Content
Each episode of Wild Kratts focuses on a specific animal species, presenting facts about its habitat, diet, behavior, and adaptations. The show's "Creature Power" segments translate real biological traits, such as the gecko's adhesive toe pads or the cheetah's speed, into animated scenarios that demonstrate scientific principles. Martin Kratt often narrates these segments, explaining how animals use their physical features for survival, communication, and hunting. The educational content is developed with input from zoologists and educators, aligning with school science curricula and standards for STEM learning in early education.
Animal Facts and Scientific Accuracy
Wild Kratts episodes cover a wide range of species, from common backyard animals like squirrels and rabbits to exotic creatures such as axolotls, peregrine falcons, and elephants. The show's research team verifies animal facts against current zoological studies, ensuring that viewers receive accurate information about anatomy, locomotion, and ecosystems. Martin Kratt emphasizes the importance of understanding animal behavior in context, linking each creature's adaptations to its specific environment and ecological role. This approach helps children build foundational knowledge in biology while fostering curiosity about the natural world.
Viewership, Educational Impact, and Availability
Wild Kratts has consistently ranked among the top educational children's programs on PBS Kids, with episodes available for streaming on the PBS Kids app and website. The series is used in classrooms and home-school curricula to support lessons on life sciences, ecology, and animal classification. Martin Kratt and the Wild Kratts team also engage with audiences through live events, museum exhibits, and interactive digital content that extend the show's educational reach beyond television.
Streaming and Distribution
In addition to PBS Kids, Wild Kratts episodes are available on major streaming platforms, making the series accessible to a global audience. The show's digital presence includes educational games, video clips, and interactive activities that reinforce the animal facts and scientific concepts presented in each episode. Martin Kratt has noted that the goal is to create a seamless experience between watching, playing, and learning, encouraging children to explore wildlife in their own communities. The continued availability of Wild Kratts across multiple platforms ensures that new generations of viewers can engage with its educational content.