Yahoo News Chris Packham 'thrilled' to become president of the RSPCA
The Springwatch presenter announced his new appointment as the charity prepares to celebrate its 200th anniversary in 2024.
Chris Packham has said he is "thrilled" to become president of the RSPCA.
The Springwatch presenter announced his new appointment at the Chelsea Flower Show as the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) prepares to celebrate its 200th anniversary in 2024.
Packham said: "I am absolutely thrilled to become president of the RSPCA in this historic year – the countdown to its 200th anniversary.
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"Animals have changed my life, whether it be the beauty of nature, or the companionship of my beautiful dogs."
🙌 We're absolutely thrilled to announce @ChrisGPackham as our new president!
Like us, Chris is ambitious about animal welfare and with the huge amount we wish to achieve by 2030 and beyond, his passion and expertise will help us get there🤝
Read more: https://t.co/KTNm4p3J0k pic.twitter.com/lFGivQIik0— RSPCA (England & Wales) (@RSPCA_official) May 24, 2023
Speaking at the unveiling of the RSPCA garden at the Chelsea Flower Show the 61-year-old TV presenter said: “I see this time as one of the most critical times for animals in the last 200 years.
“Every decision we make, on every scale, affects the world around us.
“We’re living through uncertain times with seismic shocks that have undermined our own sense of security and wellbeing. During times of social and economic stability, that is when animals can suffer and when charities like the RSPCA are needed more than ever.”
RSPCA chief executive Chris Sherwood said: “We are really excited to welcome Chris Packham as president of the RSPCA.
“Chris is much-loved, well-respected voice for all animals who speaks to a wide range of society. Like us, Chris is ambitious for animals and we have a huge amount we want to achieve by 2030 and beyond, and his passion and expertise will help us get there.”
Packham rose to fame presenting CBBC nature programme The Really Wild Show form 1986 to 1995.
He has gone on to host Springwatch, Autumnwatch, Winterwatch and Blue Planet Live for the BBC, as well as publish many books on wildlife.
The TV presenter was diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome in 2005 and fronted an acclaimed documentary Inside Our Autistic Minds in 2022.
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Packham is extremely vocal over his campaigns for animal rights, including joining Extinction Rebellion protests and regularly petitioning against the use of living creatures in I'm A Celebrity trials.
Watch: Chris Packham arriving at the High Court for his libel trial
