Ben Fogle and Kate Humble Mark 25 Years Anchoring BBC's Animal Park

Ben Fogle and Kate Humble are marking 25 years as the core presenters of Animal Park, with a special anniversary series launching on BBC One and iPlayer this summer. The milestone celebrates their partnership at one of the BBC's longest-running daytime programmes, coinciding with Longleat Safari Park's 60th anniversary since opening as the first drive-through safari operation outside Africa.

A Quarter-Century of Animal Stories

The new series reflects on decades of shared experiences between the two presenters and the animal kingdom. From welcoming newborn animals to honouring those who have passed, the programming offers an emotional retrospective of their journey. A particularly poignant thread runs through the story of lioness Malaika, whose life was documented from birth over 21 years until her death last year—an unmatched television record for any individual animal at the park.

Fresh Arrivals and New Challenges

Despite the retrospective focus, the series introduces viewers to new chapters unfolding at Longleat. A collection of hippos is settling into Half Mile Pond, one of the park's signature habitats, prompting keepers to carefully train the animals and manage their integration with neighbouring Californian sea lions. Simultaneously, maned wolves are joining a South American habitat alongside capybara and tapir, presenting complex ecological dynamics that demand skilled keeper intervention. In tiger territory, one breeding cycle concludes while another may be beginning, keeping the cycle of life at the centre of the narrative.

Presenters Megan McCubbin and Hamza Yassin continue their role in bringing viewers closer to animal behaviour and park operations. The series, produced by DSP South under Banijay UK, honours the generations of keepers whose dedication and expertise form the backbone of both the animals' welfare and the programme's storytelling.