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Outdoor stage setup with a large white model of a shark’s open jaws framing a backdrop that reads “Chester Zoo”; a person sits at the front of the stage, with additional props including a shark jaw display on a crate, ropes, and a suspended shark head model on either side.

Bangor University students attend Steve Backshall Live at Chester Zoo

Students from Bangor University were given a unique opportunity last week to attend Steve Backshall Live at Chester Zoo, with complimentary access to the sell-out wildlife show held throughout the May half-term period.

The live stage event saw the award-winning wildlife presenter and Bangor University honorary senior lecturer bring the fascinating world of sharks to life. The show combined engaging storytelling, scientific insight, and real-world experiences to deliver an immersive educational experience. 

Bangor University students attended the shows free of charge, providing a valuable opportunity to connect classroom learning with real-world science communication and conservation outreach. The initiative reflects the University’s ongoing commitment to enhancing student experience through external partnerships and hands-on learning opportunities. The event explored shark evolution from ancient origins to modern-day species, offering audiences the chance to examine replicas, real teeth and jaws, and historic footage. Steve Backshall MBE also shared personal encounters with some of the ocean’s most formidable predators, giving attendees a rare insight into fieldwork and conservation challenges. 

A large group posed in several rows on grass in front of a temporary stage and seating area, with trees and a clear blue sky in the background.
Steve Backshall MBE with some of the Bangor University students to attened one of his live shows at Chester Zoo

Steve Backshall, an honorary senior lecturer in the University’s School of Environmental and Natural Sciences who was awarded an honorary doctorate by Bangor University in 2023, has a long-standing relationship with the University, supporting engagement and inspiring the next generation of environmental scientists. 

I always love meeting Bangor University students. There is a real enthusiasm and energy about them, and Bangor has such a strong reputation for environmental and natural science - I feel very fortunate to be an honorary senior lecturer at Bangor University. It’s been fantastic to be able to team up with Chester Zoo to offer students the chance to come along to the live show, spend the day at the zoo, and hopefully leave feeling even more inspired about the natural world.

Steve Backshall MBE,  Honorary Senior Lecturer

Professor Christian Dunn of Bangor University’s School of Environmental and Natural Sciences highlighted the importance of such experiences in enriching student learning and fostering enthusiasm for environmental careers. 

Professor Dunn, said, “Not only did Steve work with Chester Zoo to sort out free zoo tickets for our students he also made space for them in his sold-out show every day, then spent time meeting them at the end of the day. It was clearly a very special moment for our students.  

"It's great seeing how students interact with Steve. For many of them he's their childhood hero so when they get to meet him they can get quite emotional, but Steve is great and just chats away to them. We're very lucky to have him as an honorary senior lecturer." 

Students praised the visit as both educational and inspiring, describing Steve Backshall’s show as fun, engaging and full of fascinating insights. The opportunity to meet Steve, alongside time exploring Chester Zoo and seeing its newest animals, made the day particularly memorable.  

For some, the experience felt especially significant. One student shared that a childhood passion for Steve Backshall’s work had come full circle, making the opportunity to meet him while studying at Bangor a proud and happy moment.