Chris Packham: Broadcaster, Conservationist and Autism Advocate
Introduction
Chris Packham is a prominent figure in British natural history broadcasting and conservation. Born on 4 May 1961 in Southampton, Hampshire, he has combined television work, activism and advocacy for neurodiversity to raise public awareness about wildlife, animal welfare and autism. The topic matters because Packham’s public profile and campaigns influence debates on nature recovery and compassionate treatment of animals, and he uses his platform to highlight neurodiversity.
Main body
Television and media work
Packham’s television career began in 1986 and established him as a familiar face in natural history programming. He presented the BAFTA-winning BBC1 children’s series Really Wild Show (1986–1995) and worked on a range of other programmes, including Channel 4’s Shots and BBC2 series such as Zone and Wild Guide. He has written and presented series including the Great Dinosaur Trail for LTV Carlton Television and has been associated with projects from the BBC Studios Natural History Unit, including the announcement of a six-part series titled Chris Packham’s Animal Einsteins.
Advocacy, activism and recent appearances
Beyond broadcasting, Packham is known as a conservationist and campaigner. He holds ambassadorial roles for numerous NGOs and runs independent campaigns focused on nature recovery and ending animal cruelty. He is also a vocal advocate for neurodiversity with a particular focus on autism. In October 2017 he presented a BBC documentary, Packham: Asperger’s and Me, about his experiences as a high-functioning person with Asperger’s. More recently, he is credited as actor and writer on Inside Our Autistic Minds (2023).
On 21 October 2025 at New Scientist Live, Packham took part in a session titled “How Animals Can Save Our Lives,” discussing his personal connections with wildlife and the role animals play in human wellbeing. The conversation, recorded by New Scientist, highlighted both Packham’s conservation priorities and the importance he places on the human–animal relationship.
Conclusion
Chris Packham’s career spans broadcasting, campaigning and public engagement on neurodiversity. His long-running presence on television and his active campaigning work continue to shape public conversations about wildlife protection, animal welfare and autism. For readers, Packham’s prominence underlines the influence media figures can have in promoting nature recovery and advocating for inclusive understanding of neurodiversity.
