Lucy Cooke

Lucy Cooke is a household favourite documentary presenter for the BBC and a New York Times bestselling author of ‘A Little Book of Sloth’. With an extensive career spanning zoology, directing, producing, presenting and writing, Lucy has a passion for exploring the natural world. Recognised as National Geographic's Emerging Explorer 2012, she challenges conventional thinking about biology and gender, captivating global audiences by blending science and storytelling. 

After gaining a Master’s in Zoology from the University of Oxford, Lucy began working as a Director at Oxford Films. Across her career, she has had many influential roles, including Series Producer at Endemol and Director at Takeaway Media Limited. In 2007, she served as Editorial Director at DOC Society, where she pioneered documentary campaigns to develop outreach strategies for award-winning films such as ‘The End of the Line’. In 2009, Lucy began working as a presenter, writer and producer for National Geographic and the BBC, building a portfolio of programmes including ‘Ingenious Animals’, ‘Animals Unexpected’ and many more. 

Lucy’s inspirational documentaries have been featured on the BBC, Animal Planet, PBS, Discovery, National Geographic and BBC Radio 4. Alongside presenting, Lucy is an established author of several books. Her most recent publication, ‘Bitch: A Revolutionary Guide to Sex, Evolution & the Female Animal’, offers an eye-opening feminist journey into female animal behaviour and how females have been mischaracterised throughout scientific history. Additionally, Lucy has featured on radio shows including ‘Sue Perkins’ Nature Table’ and ‘Women’s Hour’, along with podcasts such as ‘Political Animals’. 

As a speaker, Lucy uses the natural world to give fresh insight into how we live and work in the modern world. From gender and animal behaviour to teamwork and leadership, she inspires audiences to embrace new ways of thinking. She has presented numerous TED talks, including ‘Sloths! The Strange Life of the World’s Slowest Mammal’, where she celebrates other species. Lucy is known as a dynamic presenter who engages her audience through thought-provoking storytelling across the world.