WILDLIFE adventurer Steve Backshall has travelled to the farthest corners of the world to seek out some of the world’s rarest and even deadliest creatures and will be coming to Salisbury next month.
The CBBC Deadly 60 presenter brings his nationwide Wild World Tour to City Hall on November 13.
“It is a talk that is available for everyone,” says Steve. “Anyone from eight to 80 and kids even younger than that.
“It’s a tour of the world and the world’s wildest places and about the species that have only recently been discovered and some of the most terrifying predators, dealing with some of the natural history. Hopefully, there is a lot in there for everyone.”
The TV presenter and author has had many adventures - freediving with great white sharks and under Antarctic icebergs with leopard seals as well as catching the world’s most venomous creatures, hanging off cliffs and dangling beneath a helicopter into a crocodile’s nest.
He says his favourite animal is the wolf but he would like to go on an expedition to find snow leopards in the Karakoram mountains of Pakistan. Although, he admits he has plenty more countries in the world to explore.
"I have been to 105 countries and there 260 out there I haven't explored," he said.
Steve says nature has always been a part of his life from a very early age and he spent a lot of time outdoors surrounded by animals.
“I am very lucky mum and dad were really into animals and I was really into nature and travel from an early age,” he said.
“I had a really good start in life with nature.”
But, he says he never dreamt he would have the career he has now.
“No, my goodness I thought I would end up working on a big African game reserve when I was a kid. The idea I would end up doing what I do now, travelling to exotic places, would be insane.”
During his career Steve has discovered new species. "There is nothing in comparison with holding an animal in your hand knowing that your the first to ever see it and walking across mountain tops knowing no-one has ever been there before," he said.
Steve has published 13 books including The Falcon Chronicles and Mountain, which will be available to buy during the tour.
For tickets call Salisbury City Hall box office on 01722 434434 or go to cityhallsalisbury.co.uk
Alternatively, go to stevebackshall.com/tour.php
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here