‘Animal Park’ has resumed filming for a new series, which will pay tribute to Lord Bath.
BBC bosses are sending cameras back to the Longleat Estate and Safari Park to film the day-to-day goings on of the animals and keepers, and it will be poignant following the death of Lord Bath – whose estate houses the park – aged 87 in April after he contracted coronavirus.
A BBC spokeswoman told The Sun newspaper’s Bizarre TV column: "After careful consideration, filming has resumed on the new series of ‘Animal Park’ closely following government guidelines, including on socially distancing for presenters and the crew."
The show – presented by Ben Fogle and Kate Humble – has been running for 13 series since 2000, but came to an end in 2009 before being revived for Longleat’s 50th anniversary in 2016.
The BBC documentary will mark its 20th anniversary with a special episode later this year.
Lord Bath – also known as Alexander Thynn, 7th Marquess of Bath – frequently appeared on the show, and ‘Animal Park’ often documents the running of Longleat House and the ongoing preservation of its historic contents.
Presenter Ben previously announced he was donating his entire ‘Animal Park’ salary to help pensioners pay for their TV licences, after he was left "disappointed" with the BBC’s decision to scrap free TV licences for most over-75s.
He wrote on Instagram: "I LOVE the BBC. I think it is one of the greatest institutions in the world. It is the envy of most nations, it makes amazing content and I’d argue it is still value for money. I also owe my whole career to the BBC. They gave me my first break and they (you) employed me for many years but I am disappointed in the recent announcement on the abolition of free licences to the over 75s. I don’t entirely blame the BBC. I think the government forced their hand. I have decided to donate my entire salary for this years BBC Animal Park to subsidise licences for those over 75 who have no way of paying for a licence. (sic)"