It was a regular day in the life of four-year-old Aneeshwar Kunchala, who was diligently listening to his teacher, Miss Parsons’ lessons.
At an age when children possess insatiable curiosity, Aneeshwar was deeply saddened when Miss Parsons showed the class a picture of a whale that had died due to plastic pollution.
That was the moment he realised he had to do something meaningful to help whales and other creatures survive in the ever-changing environment.
UK-born Aneeshwar, with family roots in Andhra Pradesh, is now on a mission to protect our planet Earth and its endangered fauna.
From making videos about bees and swans with his father, Anil Kunchala on YouTube, to presenting his first nature documentary called COP 27 – Six Ways to Change the Planet for the United Nations, the now 10-year-old is a BBC and Sky TV wildlife presenter, a remarkable feat he achieved when he was just eight.
“They (BBC) asked if I could do a series called Go Wild, and that is how it happened,” Aneeshwar enthusiastically says.
He has other assignments up his sleeve as well: he is a Young Ambassador for the National Trust — Europe’s largest conservation organisation — and The Kennedy Centre’s Youth Ambassador for the Arts and Environment. Both of these have given him a platform to raise awareness about wildlife protection, climate change, and sustainable living.
The three-time Guinness World Record holder (for being the youngest documentary presenter, the youngest newspaper columnist, and identifying the most number of animal sounds in under 1 minute) credits his success to his parents’ support and friends’ encouragement.
“I would have to say it’s my mom and dad. They really helped me with all the things, but my friends are equally supportive. They love wildlife too, and they are keen on protecting wildlife just like me.”
School and work: a balancing act
School always comes first for Aneeshwar, who is currently a grade 6 student at St Philip’s Westbrook School.
“I make sure to finish my homework before doing anything else, and then I can help at home or take care of my dog Rex.”
“I like to follow a simple schedule so I know when to study, when to work, and when to play. Most of my conservation work is done on Saturdays, Sundays, or during school holidays. Sometimes I may take leave for special projects, but I always catch up on lessons later with help from my mom and dad,” he explains.
Meeting Steve Backshall
Steve Backshall and Aneeshwar Kunchala during the shoot of Go Wild series
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Special Arrangement
When Aneeshwar was signed on board to present the Go Wild Series for BBC TV’s CBeebies in 2023, little did he know that he was going to share screen space with one of his biggest inspirations — Steve Backshall, a British naturalist, explorer and presenter, best known for his franchise Deadly 60.
The series called Steve and Aneeshwar Go Wild, where they meet animals and explore their connections in zoos and safari parks, was an instant hit among children and wildlife enthusiasts.
When asked about a moment he cherishes with Steve, Aneeshwar says he was bouncing with joy to see him.
“The moment he was walking through the gates of the safari park. It was magical. That was actually the second time I saw him. I helped him with a little thing about sharks, and it was truly magical,” he adds.
Last year, he had also co-presented Go Wild Series 2 on BBC with wildlife biologist and conservationist Lizzy Daly, where they revealed the unusual ways in which animals are connected in the wild.
My job, my passion
Aneeshwar, who was busy with exams, explains what keeps him passionate about his super cool job.
“The things that I really enjoy about my job are getting to meet lots of really cool animals and how they are special in their own way. For example, the funnel web spider, although it might seem very scary, you know that it can bite a person and it may be game over, but still they are important in their own special way.”
“They actually make sure that there aren’t too many insects in the place. And one thing that I really want to do is inspire children and adults to love wildlife and everything about it.”
He is also thrilled to start scuba diving sessions later this year so that he can do a wildlife series that is all about the underwater creatures.
“I’m looking forward to the scary creatures like the sharks.”
Multi-faceted
Aneeshwar delivering a speech at the River Run Festival held in London in November 2024.
Aneeshwar’s paintings were displayed at the Kennedy Centre in the US and the Warrington Museum in the UK.
Aneeshwar also finds time to focus on his other interests. As much as he is passionate about wildlife, Aneeshwar loves painting animals on canvas. In fact, his paintings were displayed at the Kennedy Centre in the US and the Warrington Museum in the UK.
He has also dabbled in writing, authoring as many as 150 articles that focus on the behaviour of animals and how they keep nature balanced.
For his proficiency in using speeches, creative presentations, painting, documentaries and storytelling to connect with people of all ages, he was conferred the Diana Award in 2024, in memory of the former Princess of Wales, for his project National World Children and Wildlife Conservation.
Aneeshwar’s efforts were recognised by environmentalist Sir David Attenborough, who sent a letter to him, encouraging him to try his best.
“It’s hard to describe it in words. I was so happy when I received the letter and there’s just no way to explain how much joy I had. It was beyond happiness, let’s put it that way.”
Having created a name for himself, he has set his heart on becoming a wildlife conservationist or “someone who actually looks after lots of animals”, with a dream of establishing a wildlife sanctuary to help these animals in its own special way.
“To wildlife enthusiasts, please believe in yourself no matter what you do. I’d say keep your curiosity alive by watching animals, reading books, and learning from the nature around you. Even small actions matter, like planting trees, saving water, or picking up litter. Never think you are too young or old to make a difference. Enjoy the beauty of nature while also protecting it for the future,” he signs off.