In the Wild

I’ve always been fascinated by nature and wildlife. Whenever I had the opportunity,I was looking for wildlife — in ponds,in the garden,on family holidays,everywhere. I have a collection of reptiles and amphibians — four giant tortoises,a few Mediterranean tortoises,spotted turtles,geckos,skinks,snakes and even an axolotl. I also have a couple of owls.

You also have a visit lined up to India for the one-horned rhino and Bengal tiger. Tell us about it.

I’ll never forget seeing the one-horned rhinoceros (the episode is Rhino Adventure). Luckily,we were in a jeep. Rhinos don’t use their horns,they bite with their teeth and they’ve got big teeth. Following the tigers on elephant back was a very intimate moment. We got very close to a mother tiger and her cubs.

You are probably one of the few animal lovers who does not obsess over one species. You have gone out and explored all types and kinds.

Yes. I spent two years in China,filming in the mountains,deserts and jungles. Getting intimate moments with animals takes your breath away. You learn every time you do something and I enjoy them all.

What has been the most adventurous and dangerous moment for you?

When I was filming bull sharks,there was Eric Ritta,the scientist I was working with,who was bitten by a bull shark and 26 inches of his leg was inside. I was just standing a metre away. That was definitely the scariest moment. I was also charged by a one-horned rhino in Kaziranga. Luckily,we were in jeep. I have a lot of daring moments in my life,like swimming with the great white shark without protection and have the Goliath bird-eater spider,arguably the largest spider in the world,walk over my face.

Tell us about the healthy patch of land you are looking after for your wildlife activities?

Healthy Planet is a charity that allows people to adopt patches of land around the world,providing the funding for conservation work needed in those areas. I have adopted areas too.

How did the fascination for dinosaurs come about?

I suppose every child (or child-at-heart) is captivated by dinosaurs — the vast sizes they grew to,the bizarre forms they took,the interesting names and the air of mystery. And of course,they share many features with birds and reptiles,the modern-day animals that I am most fascinated by.

Was being a vegetarian a natural choice or did you switch to it after an increased interaction with animals?

I’m actually a pescatarian. I do eat a little seafood as long as it’s sustainably harvested. I don’t like the taste and texture of meat and it’s much more efficient,ecologically,to eat vegetables. Nowadays,the flavours and textures of vegetarian meals are phenomenal,especially Indian food.

What is your advice for budding zoologists/adventurers/animal lovers?

Study biology at school and university,get involved with local conservation groups and wildlife charities,and spend as much time as you can amongst nature,watching,listening and learning.