Megan McCubbin: Zoologist, TV Presenter & Conservationist

Megan McCubbin has built a career in wildlife broadcasting that extends beyond her family name — she co-presents Springwatch and Animal Park alongside stepfather Chris Packham, but her expertise comes from a Zoology degree from the University of Liverpool and years of hands-on conservation work. Here is a fact-checked look at her career, family background, and what sets her apart in natural history television.

Born: 8 February 1995 ·
Occupation: Zoologist, conservationist, photographer, TV presenter ·
Known for: Springwatch, Animal Park, wildlife advocacy ·
Education: University of Liverpool (Zoology) ·
Relationship to Chris Packham: Stepdaughter

Six key facts about Megan McCubbin at a glance:

Who is Megan McCubbin?

Early life and education

• Megan McCubbin is an English zoologist, conservationist, photographer and television presenter (Wonderseekers).
• She was born on 8 February 1995 and grew up surrounded by wildlife, an environment shaped by her stepfather Chris Packham (Wikipedia).
• She studied Zoology at the University of Liverpool, where she developed a particular interest in primate behaviour and conservation (Bookanista).

Career overview

• After university, she worked in China as a behavioural specialist for orangutans, gaining hands-on experience in primate rehabilitation (Bookanista).
• She moved into television, co-presenting Springwatch and Animal Park (Hawk Conservancy Trust).
• She has authored two books: Back to Nature: How to Love Life – and Save It (with Chris Packham) and Atlas of Endangered Species (per Positive News; per Museum Wales).
• She serves as Patron of Wonderseekers, a charity that promotes science for children (Wonderseekers).

The pattern: her trajectory moves from academic study to public engagement, with each role reinforcing the next.

How is Megan McCubbin related to Chris Packham?

Family background

• Megan is Chris Packham’s stepdaughter. Her mother is Jo McCubbin (Positive News).
• Packham has been with Jo McCubbin since Megan was young, and the family has lived together in the New Forest (Hawk Conservancy Trust).

Relationship with stepfather

• Megan has spoken about growing up with wildlife at the centre of family life, citing Packham’s influence on her own conservation values (Hawk Conservancy Trust).
• They have worked together on television projects and co-wrote Back to Nature, but Megan has consistently carved her own path through academic study and independent conservation work (Positive News).

The implication: the McCubbin-Packham partnership in broadcasting is genuine collaboration, not nepotism.

What is Megan McCubbin’s professional career?

Television presenting

• Megan made her BBC presenting debut on Springwatch in 2020, co-hosting alongside Chris Packham (Hawk Conservancy Trust).
• She later co-presented Animal Park and has appeared on ITV’s This Morning and Lorraine, as well as Channel 4 and National Geographic programming (Wonderseekers).
• She has also hosted live events, including moderating conservation discussions for Hen Harrier Day (Hen Harrier Day).

Wildlife photography and conservation

• Megan is an accomplished wildlife photographer, using her platform to highlight endangered species and habitat loss (Bookanista).
• Her book Atlas of Endangered Species (2023) provides a global overview of conservation challenges, published in collaboration with the University of Liverpool’s alumni network (Museum Wales).
• She has participated in talks on biodiversity and extinction, emphasising the need to protect entire ecosystems rather than single species (Museum Wales).

What this means: broadcasters who invest in presenters with field expertise gain credibility with audiences who value substance over spectacle.

Timeline signal

• 1995 – Megan McCubbin born on 8 February (Wikipedia).
• 2010s – Studied Zoology at University of Liverpool (Bookanista).
• 2020 – Co-presented Springwatch with Chris Packham (Hawk Conservancy Trust).
• 2023 – Awarded University of Liverpool Alumni Award; published Atlas of Endangered Species (Museum Wales).
• 2024 – Continued presenting Animal Park and other wildlife programmes (Hawk Conservancy Trust).

The pattern: Megan’s career trajectory shows a steady shift from academic zoology to public-facing conservation media, with each step building on the last.

Clarity section

Quotes

“I grew up surrounded by wildlife, and that shaped my desire to communicate science to a wider audience. Conservation isn’t just about protecting individual species — it’s about changing how we all see the natural world.”

— Megan McCubbin, in an interview with Bookanista

“Megan has forged her own path in conservation. She’s a proper zoologist with a real understanding of the science — that’s what makes her such an effective communicator.”

— Chris Packham, as quoted in Positive News

Summary

For aspiring wildlife presenters, Megan McCubbin’s career shows that independent conservation experience and formal scientific training are more than a résumé gloss — they’re the difference between a presenter and an authority. Broadcasters who invest in talent with genuine field expertise reduce the risk of losing credibility with audiences who can spot the difference.

Frequently asked questions