If you grew up watching television in the nineties or have spent any time with children in the twenty-first century, you're likely familiar with the energetic zoologists who turn biology lessons into high-energy adventures. Chris and Martin Kratt have spent decades on screens educating millions about the natural world. Naturally, viewers often wonder about the real ages and backgrounds of this dynamic duo.
Martin Kratt was born on December 23, 1965, making him 60 years old. His younger brother, Chris Kratt, was born on July 19, 1969, making him 57 years old. Together, they've spent more than thirty years bringing wildlife programming from the field directly to living rooms.
Early Roots and Education
Long before they hosted children's television programs, the brothers grew up in Warren Township, New Jersey. Their upbringing was filled with outdoor exploration, supported by a family that valued nature. This early exposure to the outdoors shaped their professional trajectories.
When it came time for higher education, both brothers pursued formal training in the biological sciences. Martin attended Duke University, where he earned a degree in zoology and even worked as a research assistant studying howler monkeys in Costa Rica. Chris attended Carleton College, graduating with a bachelor of arts degree in biology. These academic foundations gave them the scientific credibility needed to write, produce, and host accurate wildlife shows for young audiences.
From Kratts' Creatures to Wild Kratts
The brothers didn't jump straight into animation. They spent years working in the field before pitching television networks. Their big break came in 1996 with Kratts' Creatures, which aired on PBS. That show established their signature style: enthusiastic, hands-on, and accessible storytelling that treated young viewers like serious scientists.
Following Kratts' Creatures, they launched Zoboomafoo in 1999 alongside a real-life Coquerel's sifaka lemur named Jovian. The show won a Daytime Emmy Award and cemented their status as household names.
In 2011, they debuted their most ambitious project yet: Wild Kratts, an animated series produced by the Kratt Brothers Company in association with 9 Story Media Group. In the show, animated versions of Chris and Martin use "Creature Power Suits" to explore ecosystems and protect animals from villains like Zach Varmitech. By blending animation with live-action segments where the real brothers observe animals in the wild, the show bridges the gap between fiction and hard science.
The Secret Behind Their Longevity
Maintaining physical energy while filming high-octane wildlife shows requires serious dedication. Even as they've moved into their fifties and sixties, the brothers remain heavily involved in every aspect of production. They write scripts, voice their animated counterparts, and travel to remote locations for live-action segments.
Part of their enduring appeal is that they don't talk down to their audience. They treat complex biological concepts—like echolocation, migration patterns, and camouflage—as genuinely thrilling mysteries. Parents appreciate the scientific accuracy, while kids enjoy the comedy and adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Chris and Martin Kratt twins?
No, they aren't twins. Martin is older by about three and a half years. Martin was born in December 1965, while Chris was born in July 1969.
Do the Kratt brothers have children?
Yes, both brothers have families. Martin has two sons, and Chris also has children who have occasionally made small cameo appearances or contributed behind the scenes to their media projects.
Where is Wild Kratts filmed?
While the animated portions are produced in collaboration with animation studios, the live-action segments are filmed on location around the globe, spanning habitats from the Costa Rican rainforests to the African savanna.
How many shows have the Kratt brothers created?
They have created three major television series across their careers: Kratts' Creatures, Zoboomafoo, and Wild Kratts, along with various specials and direct-to-video features.
