William fronts new ‘David Attenborough-style' BBC wildlife documentary as he hails ‘the most dangerous job in the world'

Scottish Sun

23-05-2025

ROYAL DOC William fronts new 'David Attenborough-style' BBC wildlife documentary as he hails 'the most dangerous job in the world'
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PRINCE William is fronting a 'David Attenborough-style' documentary series on the heroics of wildlife rangers he calls "one of the most dangerous jobs" in the world.
The Prince of Wales, 42, has honed his presenting skills for a six-part BBC series set across the globe including Africa, Amazon rainforest and Himalayers.
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William's new documentary will highlight the importance of protecting the natural world
Credit: PA
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The documentary takes viewers into the lives of rangers who do the most 'dangerous' job on the planet
Credit: PA
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The Prince of Wales is a dedicated environmentalist who has worked with David Attenborough
Credit: AFP
Speaking ahead of the release of episode one today, the prince said he wanted to "showcase" the "unsung heroes" working on the "front line of conservation".
He warned that 1,400 wildlife rangers have died in the past ten years - which is around two every week.
Speaking after an advance screening this week, he said: "At some point we have to say enough's enough and highlight all the bravery that these men and women do on a daily basis to protect our natural world.
"This is now one of the most dangerous jobs on the planet and it really shouldn't be. Protecting the natural world, it shouldn't be that dangerous.
"Many people think being a soldier, being a policeman, emergency services, things like these jobs are dangerous and putting lives on the line, but don't think people realise it's the same for these guys and girls around the world."
He added that another reason for the six-part series was to ensure the rangers felt their work was valued and recognised to encourage future recruits.
William said: "Because it's almost too dangerous, and they are like 'why would I do that? Why would I go risk my life? no one seems to care?'
And said: "This is now one of the most dangerous jobs on the planet."
The series shows how rangers across the globe fight to save endangered animals such as rhinos, elephants and snow leopards against the scourge of wildlife poaching.
Last year William helped launch a life insurance programme for rangers working to protect animals across the globe.
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He added: "I've been dying to do something around this space for a while
"This one is particularly special to me because I've gots lots of friends and people I've met over years on my trips abroad who are living this life on a daily basis.
"The feedback I'm getting back from them now and have been for quite some time is just how much more dangerous the job is becoming."
Earlier this month he paid tribute to the "immense sacrifices" rangers make after two scouts were killed in Mozambique.
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William will present all six episodes of the BBC programme
Credit: PA
In 2022 he paid tribute to 'committed and brave' ranger Anton Mzimba who was shot and killed outside his home near Kruger National Park.
William is the presenter on all six episodes of show 'Guardians' which will be available, at first, online on the BBC Earth's YouTube channel.
He added: "David Attenborough, big inspiration for me growing up, and being able to present wonderful parts of the world to lots of people who never get the chance to visit, and I hope this does the same sort of thing and reminds people there are still wonderful parts of the world and still amazing work being done."
But he wants the shows which tell stories behind the wildlife rangers' work can also draw attention to those who protect the film crews, know the animal trails and keep them safe.
He said: "Without them there is nothing to go and see."
And added: "It's not about the guns and the bullets, which we do hear a lot about, it's about the community initiatives they do, its the education, it's the teaching, the scientific research, these people do so much more than just protecting wildlife."
United for Wildlife, set up by William in 2014 aims to increase help for rangers and has called for 1.5 million needed by 2020.
A new episode from the series by The Royal Foundation's United for Wildlife will be released every week.