Nick Baker’s original and enthusiastic approach to natural history has involved him in an array of highly successful wildlife and science programs in England and abroad. Now, the energetic biologist brings his hands-on style of storytelling to the states as one of Ultimate Explorer’s key field correspondents.
Since 1996, Baker has been a presenter on BBC’s ever-popular The Really Wild Show and recently completed a series of natural history specials for that network on subjects ranging from rhinos to rainforests. In 2001, Baker hosted BBC2’s Nick Baker’s [animal name…ie Rhinos], a special in which he attempts to get “under the skin” of animals such as grizzly bears, penguins, rattlesnakes and rhinos, examining their habits, habitats and unique behaviors. Baker has also been a presenter on BBC’s Tomorrow’s World, a cult science series that examines the science and technology of tomorrow.
Baker is no stranger to National Geographic-he was amongst presenters who launched National Geographic Channel UK. He is also a field reporter for National Geographic Channel Explorer’s Journal, and the host and writer of Nick’s Quest, a series that takes him to exotic locations in search of rare animals.
Baker graduated from the University of Exeter in 1993 with a degree in Biological Sciences, but was a keen naturalist from an early age. He co-founded Exeter University’s national ‘Bug Club’ and was a member of the Royal Entomological Society’s Youth Development Committee. As a field naturalist, he has been involved in research on badgers and the high brown fritillary butterfly. He regularly tours schools with his animals to educate school children and is a vice president of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. He also has a vice presidency at the youth wing of the Wildlife Trusts in the UK and is president of the Seahorse Trust and works for the Shark Trust, the Basking Shark Society, Bird Life International, The Field Studies Council and many others.
In addition to his work on television, Baker has written for an array of publications including BBC Wildlife Magazine, and is the author of the popular insect guide, Baker’s Bug Book. Baker also recently published “Nick Baker’s British Wildlife”, a monthly guide to the highlights in the British wildlife calendar. He is currently working on a publication entitled “The New Amateur Naturalist”, a practical manual that includes all of the tricks and techniques required to be a naturalist.
Baker is currently designing and building his own zoo in the UK that centers around presenting creepy crawlies, amphibians and reptiles in a way never seen before. The name of the zoo is ‘Weird Creatures’.
Baker currently lives on Dartmoor, a national park in Devon, England, along with a growing menagerie of small animals including spiders, scorpions, stick insects, amphibians, reptiles, butterflies and moths. Among his favorites are cane toads and a collection of hissing cockroaches. He even keeps pet leeches in the fridge at home and often feeds them by attaching them to his leg! In addition to his hectic schedule, Baker manages to fit in competitive cycling and, as a self-taught harmonica player, percussionist and singer, he regularly performs in jazz and blues bands.