Nickelodeon enters the wild kingdom of beasts, dangerous and endangered

Kids can take a walk on the wild side with Nickelodeon’s new magazine-style series Wild Side Show, featuring the animal kingdom’s rare and exotic inhabitants.

Taped at the San Diego Zoo, young hosts and San Diego natives Jessica Duarte and Scott Tunnel will interact with unusual animals and introduce “Wild Adventures,� previously taped segments from across the country that get close to animals in their natural habitats.

Duarte, who collects snakes, and Tunnel, who raises goats and pigs, will explore some rather scary animals, including grizzly bears, alligators and bison, whose lack of fear and tendency to charge make them even scarier than grizzlies.

The show also looks at endangered species, such as manatees, which are examined in the warm water areas of Florida. Because manatees are slow-moving giants, they are often hit by pleasure boats.

Spotted owls, also endangered, are observed in Oregon.

“Wild Side Show� aims to depict sensitivity toward animals and their environment, and points out--to both kids and parents--how to deal with animals in the wild, including what to do if attacked.

Each week, experts accompany Duarte and Tunnel, asking their own--unscripted--questions.

“Wild Adventures� are also planned with wild horses in Arizona and swimming with dolphins.

“Nickelodeon’s Wild Side Show� airs Sunday at 8:30 p.m. on Nickelodeon. For ages 4 and up.

MORE KIDS SHOWS

Finding one’s true calling is not an easy task for anyone, especially Goofy in Goofy’s Guide to Success (Sunday 7-7:30 p.m. the Disney Channel), as he visualizes himself in various occupations. This animated compilation includes clips from other Goofy films. For ages 2-8.

Surf’s up! If not at Trestles or Third Point, on the tube as the Disney Channel presents Sandra Dee as the original--and quintessential teen-ager, Gidget, (Sunday 2-3 p.m.). In the 1959 original, Gidget is adopted as a mascot by Malibu Beach’s surfer college boys. But things go ape when she falls for law-student Moondoggie ... and he falls for her. For ages 8 and up.

In keeping with the summer fun-in-the-sun beach theme, a triple-threat of Elvis Presley films is scheduled for Sunday on TNT. First, there’s Clambake, (1-3 p.m.) with Elvis as a Texas oil heir who switches identities with a water-skiing instructor so he can do the clam with Shelley Fabares. His rival is Bill Bixby. Then race-car driver Elvis goes Viva Las Vegas with swim-teacher Ann-Margaret, and they sing “C’mon Everybody� (3-5 p.m.). Finally, Elvis is yet another race-car driver trying to Speedway (5-7 p.m.) his way into Nancy Sinatra’s heart. Bixby is in this one, too. For ages 10 and up.

The Disney Channel will present Anne of Green Gables Part 1 (8-9 p.m. Wednesday) and Part 2 (8:05-9 p.m. Thursday), following the tale of plucky Anne Shirley who wins over the hearts of her employers. For ages 8 and up.

Recent preservation efforts have given Pacific Coast wildlife a second chance, as depicted in Marine Life Miracles (7:30-9 p.m. Saturday KCET). Actor Peter Horton accompanies activists and conservationists at the Channel Islands and Ano Nuevo reserves, participating in diving with sharks, rescuing an injured sea lion, and meeting face to face with four-ton elephant seals. For ages 10 and up.