This video is part of an ongoing project to build a retrospective TV archive made for the LL community on my Retro TV channel at
http://www.liveleak.com/c/Retro_TV_

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Daktari originally aired from 1966 to 1969 with four seasons, 89 episodes. Not a bad run for a drama series geared toward younger audiences. A show like this wouldn't have a chance in hell of being aired today sadly. Daktari is Swahili for Doctor, which was the premise for this awesome animal show. Dr Tracy runs an animal behavioral research station and refuge.

The show was based on the film "Clarence the Cross Eyed Lion", and also inspired by the career of Dr. A.M. "Toni" Harthoorn who operated an animal orphanage located in Nairobi, Kenya. Clarence the lion BTW, didn't do his own stunts as he was jumpy around trucks. Leo a stunt double lion was used, Leo was also the MGM logo lion at the time.

While you may know Erin Moran best for her role as Joanie on Happy Days, this was her first major role as Jenny Jones the orphaned seven year old on Daktari. (She was only five at the time)

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