Cheshire woman who attended local college stars in new Channel 4 TV series
A Cheshire woman who attended a local college in South Cheshire, has featured in a new Channel 4 animal TV series.
Becky Hall was brought up in Tytherington, Macclesfield and studied animal management at Reaseheath College in Nantwich.
The 32-year-old is currently featuring in the Channel 4 docuseries, Secret Life of the Safari Park, which airs every Thursday at 8pm.
Nub News had the opportunity to chat with Becky about the docuseries, what she does at the safari and her experience of the TV series so far.
"I've been recognised already," she said.
"In fact, a few of the staff at my hair salon recognised me and asked for an autograph!
"Family and friends have messaged to say they couldn't believe I was on TV, and having watched the programme they want to come and visit the safari."
Becky left Cheshire at the age of 20 to study Zoo Biology at Nottingham Trent University.
After completing a one-year internship at Chester Zoo, Becky got her first full time keeping role at West Midlands Safari Park,
She stayed there for five years before progressing into a higher role caring for a wider range of species at Knowsley Safari Park, which is the setting for the new show.
Now a Senior Keeper on the carnivore team, working within the animal department, Becky is responsible for the daily operational management and safety of the carnivore team.
Becky appears in all six episodes of the new prime time programme.
She said: "The feedback so far has been amazing.
"Everyone has been so supportive and lovely, saying how professional and friendly the staff come across.
"It's also lovely to hear how people can see how obvious it is that the keepers truly care about their animals, and how close a bond we have with them."
Produced by the makers of The Supervet and The Secret Life of the Zoo, the new hour-long weekly show focus on the Safari's extraordinary animals, the keepers who care for them and some of the 500,000 plus guests who visit the popular Safari each year.
Lancashire actress, Maxine Peake, takes viewers on a fascinating journey into the incredible lives of some of the rarest and most endangered creatures on earth.
Secret Life of the Safari Park is a unique opportunity to get to know the fascinating background stories of the animals, which viewers have the option of coming to see in real life.
Becky said: "I went to Marlborough Primary School in Tytherington, when I lived around the corner.
"I then went to Tytherington High School, which at the time changed to be a specialist science college.
"I did a year at Tytherington Sixth Form and then went to Reaseheath. But most of my family are still in Macclesfield.
"Every week, eight or nine colleagues come round to ours.
"My parents and grandparents have been loving the show as well."
Two episodes have aired to date, starting on Thursday 4 January.
While Becky cannot be sure exactly what the telly camera's have captured, tasks she could be seen observing animal behaviour, medicating animals and conducting animal welfare assessments.
Other tasks include driving 4x4 vehicles, operating a forklift truck, conversing with the public and staff, operating the perimeter gates on the reserve and feeding animals.
Becky added: "It still doesn't feel real, after all I'm just doing my job.
"I feel privileged to have been chosen, and I know my friends and family are very proud to see what I do behind the scenes.
"I think you should watch the show because you get that insider view, because you are seeing it from our perspective as well.
"You are getting a behind-the-scenes aspect, which you'd never normally see as a guest.
"And, all these different stories of the animals have been shot for months, so you get a year-round picture of their lives, which you wouldn't know if you came on a day.
"I don't have a favourite species, but to name one the baboons are so dynamic. It is like West Side Story sometimes, because we have two troupes that are rivals."
Secret Life of the Safari Park next airs on Channel 4 at 8pm on Thursday 18 January.
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