Megan McCubbin is an English zoologist, wildlife broadcaster, author and conservationist whose clear, warm explanations have made her one of Britain’s most familiar faces on nature television. Born on 8 February 1995, she grew up in Hampshire close to animal care and conservation work, and she later studied zoology at the University of Liverpool, graduating with a BSc honours degree in 2018. Her work now spans BBC programmes such as Springwatch, Autumnwatch, Winterwatch and Animal Park, alongside books, photography, podcasts and campaigning for endangered species. The daughter of Jo McCubbin and stepdaughter of presenter Chris Packham, she has built a career firmly on her own scientific training and field experience.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Fact |
| Known as | Meg McCubbin |
| Date of birth | 8 February 1995 |
| Age | 31 in 2026 |
| Birthplace | United Kingdom |
| Nationality | British |
| Profession | Zoologist, wildlife presenter, author, photographer and conservationist |
| Education | BSc (Hons) Zoology, University of Liverpool |
| Mother | Jo McCubbin |
| Stepfather | Chris Packham |
| Partner | James Stevens |
| Best known for | Springwatch, Autumnwatch, Winterwatch and Animal Park |
| Conservation role | President of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust |
Early Life and Love of Wildlife
She grew up in Hampshire, close to animal care and conservation work. She spent much of her childhood in and around the Isle of Wight Zoo, now the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, which specialises in the rescue and rehabilitation of ex-circus and pet trade animals, and those visits shaped her early interest in rescued animals.
Chris Packham, her stepfather, became an important father figure. Through him she experienced wildlife filming, photography and field trips, and those early experiences pointed her towards a career in zoology.
A Childhood Shaped by Conservation
Seeing a wild rhino as a young child during time spent in Africa left a lasting impression and strengthened her interest in endangered species. She also learnt early that wildlife faces habitat loss, illegal trade, cruelty and climate pressure.
Education and Zoology Training
She studied zoology at the University of Liverpool and graduated with a BSc honours degree in 2018. Her studies gave her a firm base in animal behaviour, ecology, evolution and conservation science, and they connected classroom learning with practical animal welfare.
Her university project examined the social behaviour of ring-tailed lemurs and the effect of enrichment activities on their interactions, showing how small changes in an animal’s surroundings can improve its welfare.
Living With Dyslexia
She has spoken openly about dyslexia and the challenge of fitting into traditional classroom systems. Practical work, field experience and support from lecturers helped her recognise her strengths as a scientist. She encourages young people not to treat learning differences as a limit, and dyslexia has not stopped her becoming a respected writer, presenter and science communicator.
Conservation Work Before Television Fame
Before television fame, she gained hands-on experience with wildlife projects overseas. The work below shows how varied that early field experience was, and each project taught her something different about animals, people and the pressures facing nature.
Rescued Bears in China
She worked with bears rescued from the bear-bile industry in China. The role involved observing behaviour and supporting rehabilitation, and this difficult subject later inspired her early work in investigative broadcasting.
Sharks in the Bahamas
At the Bimini Biological Field Station, often called Sharklab, she supported studies into shark behaviour and personality. The experience deepened her interest in marine conservation and challenged common fears about sharks.
Big Cats in Namibia
She also worked with AfriCat in Namibia, where conservation programmes focus on large carnivores, education and coexistence between wildlife and people. These projects gave her practical knowledge and experience beside scientists, keepers and conservation teams.
Megan McCubbin’s Television Career
Her television career grew through projects combining science with investigation. In 2017 she took part in BBC Three’s Undercover Tourist, examining the bear-bile trade, and the programme connected her direct field experience with strong storytelling.
She later contributed to environmental programmes such as Earthrise and youth-focused science content, covering plastic pollution, marine wildlife, animal welfare and illegal trade.
Her path to a regular role on the BBC’s seasonal wildlife programmes followed a clear sequence:
- Undercover Tourist on BBC Three in 2017, her first major television investigation.
- The Self-Isolating Bird Club in 2020, the online lockdown series she created with Chris Packham.
- Chris and Meg’s Wild Summer in 2021, travelling through Britain in an electric campervan.
- A regular presenting role on Springwatch, Autumnwatch and Winterwatch.
The Self-Isolating Bird Club
During the 2020 lockdown, she and Chris Packham created the online Self-Isolating Bird Club. Broadcast from the New Forest, it gave people a positive connection to nature during a difficult period, as viewers shared photographs, questions and wildlife sightings.
Springwatch, Autumnwatch and Winterwatch
Her online success helped lead to a major role in the BBC’s seasonal wildlife programmes, and she became a regular presence on Springwatch, Autumnwatch and Winterwatch, covering animal behaviour, seasonal change and conservation across Britain.
Chris and Meg’s Wild Summer
In 2021 she joined Chris Packham for Chris and Meg’s Wild Summer. The series followed them as they travelled through Britain in an electric campervan, exploring wildlife and landscapes and the close bond between stepfather and stepdaughter.
Key Career Milestones
The table below sets out the main steps in her television career, from her first investigation to the anniversary series of Animal Park.
| Year | Programme | Note |
| 2017 | Undercover Tourist | BBC Three investigation into the bear-bile trade |
| 2020 | Self-Isolating Bird Club | Online lockdown series from the New Forest |
| 2021 | Chris and Meg’s Wild Summer | Travel series in an electric campervan |
| 2022 | Animal Park | Joined the presenting team at Longleat Safari Park |
| 2026 | Animal Park | 25th anniversary series on BBC One |
Animal Park and Longleat Safari Park
She joined the presenting team of Animal Park in 2022. Filmed at Longleat Safari Park, the BBC One programme follows keepers, vets, animals and conservation work, and she presents alongside Kate Humble and Ben Fogle, explaining the lives of giraffes, lemurs, big cats, reptiles and many other species.
Animal Park in 2026
The 2026 series marked the programme’s 25th anniversary. It revisited memorable moments while introducing new animals and staff, and she described the series as a mixture of science, chaos, cuteness and mischief. The programme returned to BBC One on weekday mornings at 9:30. Animal Park also appeared on the 2026 National Television Awards longlist, adding to the programme’s recognition during its anniversary year.
Books by Megan McCubbin
Her books combine science, personal experience and practical conservation, growing out of her fieldwork and broadcasting to help readers notice the natural world.
Back to Nature
Back to Nature: How to Love Life – and Save It was co-written by Megan McCubbin and Chris Packham. The book explores Britain’s natural world, environmental decline and ways people can reconnect with nature, and it carries the hopeful, practical tone of her wider work.
An Atlas of Endangered Species
An Atlas of Endangered Species, written by Megan McCubbin and illustrated by Emily Robertson, focuses on 20 threatened species and the scientists and conservationists working to protect them. It covers famous species and less familiar creatures, showing the people trying to save each one and the reasons each species is at risk.
Photography, Podcasts and Public Speaking
She developed an early interest in wildlife photography, using images to record behaviour and inspire curiosity, and it remains a core part of her work alongside writing and presenting. Megan McCubbin won the under-12s RSPCA Wildlife Photographer of the Year award in 2007, and in 2019 she was appointed coordinator and judge of the Young Bird Photographer of the Year competition. She is also known for her Antarctic photography.
She has also worked on wildlife podcasts. The Frog’s Bollocks, created with wildlife filmmaker James Stevens, uses humour and unusual animal facts to make natural history enjoyable.
As a speaker, she covers a wide range of subjects, including:
- Biodiversity and extinction, and why small species matter as much as famous ones.
- Wildlife crime and the illegal trade in animals.
- Climate change and its effects on habitats.
- Neurodiversity, drawing on her own experience with dyslexia.
Her talks focus on hope and practical action, and she asks audiences to notice local wildlife, support habitat recovery and reduce harm.
Parents and Family
Her mother is Jo McCubbin, and Chris Packham is her stepfather rather than her biological father. He entered her life when she was very young and remains a close parental figure and professional collaborator.
She keeps the identity of her biological father and any details about brothers or sisters private.
Partner
Her partner is wildlife filmmaker and cameraman James Stevens. They met through the wildlife television world and have worked together creatively. James has strong links with wildlife filming in the Scottish Highlands, and the couple share interests in nature, storytelling and conservation.
Is She Married?
There is no confirmed announcement that she is married. James Stevens is best described as her partner rather than her husband, and there is no confirmed news of a wedding or children.
Conservation Roles and Campaigns
Beyond broadcasting, she supports organisations working in wildlife protection, science education and animal welfare. Her named roles include patron of Helping Rhinos, patron of Wonderseekers and ambassador for Rainforest Concern, alongside campaign work connected with oceans, birds, beavers and endangered species.
She became president of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, strengthening her bond with the region where she grew up.
Social Media and Recent Activity
On Instagram she uses the name @meganmccubbinwild. Her account presents her as a zoologist, wildlife television presenter and author, and she also has a large following on X under @MeganMcCubbin.
Her recent posts have featured Animal Park, Longleat, beetles at RSPB Bempton Cliffs and Sir David Attenborough’s centenary celebration at the Royal Albert Hall.
Why Megan McCubbin Matters
She represents a modern form of wildlife communication, combining academic training, field experience and television skill. That range of work shows conservation can happen through books, cameras, school talks, social media and television.
By highlighting endangered animals and overlooked species, she helps people see nature with greater care. Curiosity can lead to knowledge, and knowledge can lead to action.
FAQs
Who Is Megan McCubbin?
She is an English zoologist, wildlife presenter, author and conservationist, best known for BBC programmes including Springwatch, Autumnwatch, Winterwatch and Animal Park.
How Old Is She?
She was born on 8 February 1995, which makes her 31 years old in 2026. Her birthday falls early in the year, in February.
Who Are Her Parents?
Her mother is Jo McCubbin, and wildlife presenter Chris Packham is her stepfather. He has been an important parental figure since she was very young.
Is She Married?
No confirmed announcement says she is married. Wildlife filmmaker James Stevens is described as her partner rather than her husband, with no confirmed wedding.
Does She Have Any Siblings?
She keeps that part of her family life private, and no reliable source confirms whether she has brothers or sisters.
Conclusion
From childhood visits to a zoo on the Isle of Wight to the presenting team of Animal Park, Megan McCubbin has turned a lifelong love of animals into a career built on science, fieldwork and clear communication, recognised in 2026 by Animal Park’s place on the National Television Awards longlist. Her books, broadcasts and conservation roles all point in the same direction: helping people notice nature and act to protect it.
What sets Megan McCubbin apart is giving overlooked creatures the same attention as famous ones, from pollen beetles to rhinos, and inviting young people into science. That mix of curiosity, honesty and hope is why her audience keeps growing.
