Ben Fogle & Kate Humble awarded prestigious zoo and aquarium hero award

• The presenters of TVs Animal Park have been surprised with the Zoo and Aquarium Hero Award while filming at Longleat.
• The award marks 25 years of the much-loved TV show.
• Viewers saw Ben and Kate receive their award during Today’s episode of Animal Park [13 July] on BBC One.

The TV presenters at the helm of the long-running series Animal Park were surprised with a prestigious award during the filming of their latest series. Ben Fogle and Kate Humble have guided viewers through the highs and lows of life at Longleat for 25 years, providing audiences with a window into animal care and conservation at the world’s oldest safari park. The British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA), recognising this extraordinary achievement, surprised the presenters with the award during filming

The Zoo and Aquarium Hero Award celebrates achievements for nature, zoos and aquariums. Originally conceived as a way of recognising the incredible work of fundraisers during the Coronavirus pandemic, awardees have included long-standing and inspirational volunteers, marathon runners and fellow TV presenters Cameron, Tyler and Aaron Whitnall.

Ben Fogle, presenter of Animal Park, says: "We are delighted to have been awarded the BIAZA hero award. This award is for all the keepers at Longleat who are the real heroes.”

Kate Humble, presenter of Animal Park, says: "It was a huge surprise & honour to receive this award, but it wouldn't have been possible without the collaboration with all the keepers at Longleat, who have done so much to share their knowledge & wonderful stories with us & our viewers over the last 25 years.”

Dr Jo Judge, the CEO of BIAZA said: “It was a great delight to surprise Ben and Kate. They have done a brilliant job on Animal Park and have never been afraid to get stuck in. What has made them so exceptional is their clear love for the animals at the heart of so many stories. They have told the stories of Longleat with compassion and care.”

“The Zoo and Aquarium Hero Award, something we joke is the ‘zoo-peter badge’, is just a small token of our recognition for those who have made a big difference.”

Darren Beasley, Head of Animal Operations at Longleat, said “It is fantastic to see Ben and Kate honoured in this way. They have done a truly amazing job as the faces of Animal Park and the passion they bring is invaluable.

“25 years is an incredible amount of time, and they have seen the many highs and lows that comes with caring for animals, which is a focus of this anniversary series as they look back over the years.

“Animal Park and Ben and Kate have been a true inspiration over the years, engaging both people who care for and about animals and wildlife. Many who have gone on to join us in this amazing zoo community, including here at Longleat. Thank you to BIAZA for coming to visit us and presenting the award.”