BBC Springwatch host ‘almost died in a whale threesome’ in frightening incident

Springwatch and Winterwatch host Michaela Strachan recounted a terrifying moment from her career working with wildlife – one that apparently came close to killing her

Michaela Strachan came perilously close to death in a terrifying wildlife incident she described as a “whale threesome” while in South Africa. The beloved television nature presenter is no stranger to dangerous scenarios, including an occasion where she had to use a tranquilliser dart on a charging buffalo to save a veterinarian stranded up a tree.

She currently presents the BBC favourite Springwatch alongside long-time co-host and fellow wildlife enthusiast Chris Packham, having previously worked with him on the much-loved nostalgic CBBC nature show The Really Wild Show between 1993 and 2006.

During a recent interview, Michaela looked back on another hairy episode from her career—one that nearly proved fatal and left her imagining the unusual inscription that might have adorned her gravestone.

The frightening encounter took place in the waters off South Africa, where she lives with her husband, Nick Chevallier, and their son, Olly. Michaela was nearly “squashed” by a pair of southern right whales attempting to mate with a female.

She told The i Paper: “Squashed in a whale threesome. That would have made for an interesting gravestone.”

She is not alone in facing such perils. Chris Packham has also endured hazardous encounters with wildlife, suffering painful bites from army ants during filming in Kenya.

This follows Michaela’s revelation about a hospital visit after being bitten by an animal while in Madagascar, where there were fears she might have contracted a deadly disease.

Speaking to Bella magazine, she explained: “I was bitten by a lemur in Madagascar, and they thought it might have rabies, so I went to A&E for a jab, and I said to the nurse, ‘Out of interest, why are you laying a bed out for me?'”

The nurse reportedly replied: “She looked at her notes and said, ‘Oh – bitten by a lemur! I thought it said, ‘broken femur!'”

On the personal front, Michaela recently welcomed her second grandchild. Last October, the 59-year-old announced on social media that her second grandson, Marley, had arrived.

She posted: “My 2nd grandson! Little Marley Chevallier Manning arrived into the world last week. So adorably cute. So precious.

“Unbelievably proud of my step daughter @jadiealice & @dale_manning, they are the most awesome parents already. 2 grandchildren in 5 months. Feeling very blessed.”

Fans were quick to offer congratulations. One commented: “What an adorable little baby – he’s a real sweetie – congratulations all.” Another added: “Beautiful congratulations. For us we have our first great granddaughter in July and a second great grandchild in a few weeks time.”