A wild time with Steve Backshall

Steve Backshall and his tales

Recently Tunbridge Wells Assembly Hall Theatre was lucky enough to play host to the wildlife TV presenter, adventurer, naturalist and writer Steve Backshall, as he took the audience on a tour of the real life expeditions that have inspired his novels, The Falcon Chronicles. The show and Steve was full of exciting tales with an over flowing amount of excited enthusiasm, leaving the punters only envious of his numerous journeys and encounters across the globe – perfect for kids and adults!

Not only did we get to delight in the show, but we also got to have a quite in depth chat with Steve about life, animals, career paths and much more!

Q&A with Deadly 60’s Steve Backshall

What is scarier Strictly Come Dancing or dealing with deadly animals?

Well, when it comes to animals, I won’t do anything I am afraid of as they can really smell, or sense, fear. If I am going to swim with a shark, but I am feeling afraid I just won’t do it. Strictly was a completely different thing, I was totally out of my comfort zone, so on a Saturday night leading up

to doing our dance, I was always absolutely petrified! But of course, it was great fun. I made some really good friends with people who are from totally different walks of life. It was a great experience.

If you could do anything what would it be?

I still have lots and lots of things on my bucket list. There are a lot of big mountains I would like to climb. And, obviously there are thousands and thousands of animals that I would like to see. Probably at the top of the list would be the snow leopard, for anyone in my line of work, that is the Holy Grail.

How would you describe your occupation?

I would say I am naturalist, but I guess I am one with a twist as most of what I do involves adventure. I do a lot of climbing exhibitions, kayaking, caving, old fashioned exploration, trying to go to where people have never been before. But, I would never be pretentious enough to describe myself as being an explorer or adventurer ha, ha.

How did you start going the path you have gone down?

It came down to finding a way in which I would be able to live my life whilst loving what I do for a living, as I get to do what I enjoy the most. I have been phenomenally lucky in my career. Really I would be doing it anyway at the weekend, if it wasn’t my job, ha, ha. When I started I was studying English at university, but then went back and studied biology, and I am now back again studying for my masters in bio-sciences. I think you can’t really afford to stop or slow down, there is so much to learn and so much to know. It has to be an endless training process, otherwise you could grind to a halt.

With extinction on the

increase with many animals what can we, as the public, do to prevent this?

I think the most important thing is general acceptance of our own responsibilities and our impact on the world around us. Allowing us to think that our own actions are irrelevant and unimportant is the most dangerous thing. People can’t give up on recycling at home, just because they think too much damage is being done elsewhere. That is the point where you need to take responsibility of your own actions. And this is very important that young people are made aware of this, as they are going to be deciding on

the future and if they are empowered to

believe they can make a difference, then I think they will.

What are your opinions

on zoos and animals held in captivity?

Very complex, both emotional and philosophical. There are some animals that should never be kept in captivity, but the power of the tangible excites, particularly for young people. Zoos can have a massive impact on people’s love for animals, so, they need to be done, but they need to be done with care and understanding. Amongst those animals that shouldn’t be kept in captivity, would certainly be whales and dolphins. You look at Killer Whales. The documentary Black Fish (not for the fainthearted and we recommended you request permission from your guardian before watching) tremendously raised people’s understanding of the animals. After all if you have an animal that can range 100 miles a day, and has complex social interactions and grieves for its dead, and you bring them up in a swimming pool, they are going to go mad. So

I think, without any doubt, it is time to bring an end to them being in captivity.

How would you describe your touring show?

It is basically a splurge of adventure, crazy wildlife and mad encounters with predators, with glances behind the scenes of some of the most hair raising moments. It is going to be an opportunity for the audience to hammer me with questions, find out what it is like living in the jungle for months, or swimming alongside a giant crocodile. You know, if they want to ask me questions about dancing they can. I don’t know anything about it, but I am open to it, ha, ha.

You said kids are more aware of the environment and wildlife than you ever were. Why do you think this is?

First, it would be that it is now part of the curriculum. There wasn’t such a thing as ‘being green’ when I was a kid, it just didn’t exist. But now every student is at least taught about it. Then there is the fact that it is in the news and the headlines. They are generally more aware than my generation was, whether anything is done with that knowledge really is the next step. But there are opportunities available and there is an awareness there, more so than any other time in human history, which is very important as we need it more than ever now. I think the key is, the knowledge is there but it needs to be bigger and more, and the tools need to be put into everyone’s hands, so they can enjoy a life in the outdoors and they can make a difference to our planet.

Fun Time Questions!

What are your three favourite animals?

The wolf, king cobra and the peacock spider.

What book couldn’t you live with out?

Alfred Russell Wallace’s The Malay Archipelago.

Do you have any phobias?

Erm, not really, but I have to admit standing around on a Saturday night getting ready to dance, I didn’t feel so great, ha, ha.

Have you ever not wanted to do anything on deadly 60?

No, not really. We are constantly risk accessing. So if we ever got in a situation we felt was too dangerous, to ourselves, or to the animal, we wouldn’t do it.

What has been your best experience with animals?

I would probably say having a tiny gorilla youngster come and take me by the hand in Uganda – it was a very very emotional experience.

How do you find writing as opposed to hands-on adventuring?

Most of my writing, I do while I am on the road or in a plane. So, with that being the case, as most of my writing is about my trips, it is not as divided as you may think. But, as I am trying to create a more conventional side to my life, looking towards a future with family and kids, it is going to be more and more important that I do have a job that I can do.

Who have been the most interesting people you have met?

It would probably be the Korowai people, who live in tree houses way up, as much as 20 metres above the ground. I spent a couple of days in that area, and I encountered people who hadn’t seen outsiders before and I was dazzled by the life that is quite similar to the entirety of our human past.

How did you end up on TV?

I had an idea for a television programme whilst I was writing for the Rough Guide. I went out to Columbia, I shot it, edited it together and sold it to the National Geographic’s channel, and they took me on as the adventurer in residence.

#dwntwn