Michaela Strachan reflects on her 40-year career in wildlife presenting
Michaela Strachan, the renowned natural history presenter, has voiced concerns about the divide among children regarding nature awareness, stating that some are deeply engaged while others show little interest, reports BritPanorama.
Speaking via video call, the 59-year-old is determined to tackle this challenge by enhancing her commitment to “bring the joy, bring the wonder” in her role, particularly as one of the few female presenters in natural history. Strachan’s enthusiasm, reminiscent of figures like Anneka Rice, has always been evident, projecting a practical positivity that’s both warm and humorous.
As she gears up for a UK tour celebrating her extensive career, Strachan candidly acknowledges feeling inadequate compared to her long-time co-presenter Chris Packham, a seasoned scientist. “Chris came to the job with a degree in zoology,” she notes, emphasizing the contrast between her entertainment background and his scientific expertise.
Her perspective took a turn with the awarding of an honorary doctorate from the University of Wolverhampton in 2023. This recognition helped her realise the value of her contributions as a communicator and translator of science. “For the first time I thought, ‘Yeah, that is true!’” she reflected.
Born in Surrey in 1966, Strachan drew on her early experiences, including time spent on popular 80s television shows, to create a distinct presence in the wildlife genre. Despite facing challenges, such as an eating disorder and sexism in the industry, she continues to relish her role. Strachan’s impressive journey includes moments that range from shooting tranquilliser darts at charging wildlife to facing her own mortality following a breast cancer diagnosis in 2014.
Though Strachan’s warmth contrasts with Packham’s often critical perspective, their camaraderie has become a hallmark of their joint presentations. “I’m quite a sarcastic person,” she said, appreciating the light-hearted ribbing that characterizes their interactions, all while keeping their focus on the joy of wildlife. “Our remit is to make people love wildlife,” she stated firmly.
As she prepares to share her adventures on tour, including various wildlife encounters and her personal experiences, Strachan embodies resilience. “I can put my whole career down to resilience, really,” she asserts, encouraging younger generations to embrace life’s ups and downs. “It doesn’t matter if it’s a long life or a short life. You need to be able to look back and say: ‘I had a good ride.’”
Strachan’s tour, titled “Not Just a Wild Life,” will commence on 13 April, offering fans a chance to connect with her journey and insights into the world of wildlife presenting.
