Significant inheritance passed down to Tony Soper's family after the 95-year-old ex-BBC wildlife presenter met his demise
**Tony Soper: A Pioneer in Wildlife Broadcasting and Conservation**
Tony Soper, a British broadcasting legend, passed away in September 2024 at the age of 95. Throughout his illustrious career with the BBC, Soper made significant contributions to the field of wildlife broadcasting and conservation, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.
Soper joined the BBC at the tender age of 17 as a 'youth-in-training'. His career took flight when he moved over to television and had his big break as an unofficial assistant floor manager for Wild Geese in Winter in 1954. This paved the way for his co-founding of the BBC's Natural History Unit in Bristol and becoming its first film producer.
The Natural History Unit, established in 1957, has since become a globally renowned institution, famous for its iconic wildlife programmes such as the Planet Earth series. Soper's pioneering role in the Unit's inception was instrumental in its success.
In the 1960s, Soper co-presented the popular children's show Animal Magic alongside Johnny Morris. The show, which focused on birds and wildlife, cemented Soper's place as a pioneer in birdwatching and wildlife broadcasting. Soper's style was characterized by asking relevant and sensible questions and focusing on the guests and stories, rather than seeking personal performance or showmanship.
Soper's influence extended beyond television. He authored several wildlife books, including the bestselling *Bird Table Book*. This publication helped spark a boom in birdwatching and garden bird feeding, influencing public interest in wildlife and contributing to a multi-million-pound industry related to bird feeding.
Throughout his career, Soper presented a number of shows, including Birdwatch, Birdspot, Discovering Birds, Discovering Animals, Beside the Sea, Wildtrack, and Nature. His work helped popularize wildlife watching and foster stronger public engagement with nature.
Nick Randell, who works for BBC News, acknowledged Soper as a 'true pioneer' of natural history output and children's TV. Stephen Moss, a renowned broadcaster and writer, described Soper as a 'huge influence' on birders and broadcasters. Robbie Martin, a reptile specialist, expressed his sadness at Soper's passing, calling him a 'lovely inspirational man.'
Lorraine Kelly, Good Morning Britain presenter, remembered Soper as a 'joy and delight' on social media. Another mourner described Soper as a 'conservation hero' who inspired them as a child. Soper's son, who also worked as a fellow BBC Studio Manager, left his family a fortune of £628,000 after his death.
In addition to his work in the UK, Soper visited both the Arctic and Antarctica during his wildlife career. His legacy continues to inspire and influence those in the field of wildlife broadcasting and conservation. Tony Soper will be deeply missed by all who knew and admired his work.
In the realm of multifaceted media, Tony Soper's influence extended beyond wildlife broadcasting to the realms of lifestyle and home-and-garden. His publication, the Bird Table Book, sparked a boom in gardening-related activities, including birdwatching and feeding.
Moreover, news outlets, not only focused on wildlife, acknowledged Soper as a trailblazer. BBC News' Nick Randell hailed him as a 'true pioneer' of natural history output and children's TV, while Stephen Moss, a celebrated broadcaster and writer, referred to him as a 'huge influence' in the birding community.
