A 'dream' assignment: Hamza Yassin's new BBC documentary
Wildlife cameraman and presenter Hamza Yassin, known for his work on Countryfile and Animal Park, has described filming a new BBC documentary in Kenya as "an absolute dream" and "a privilege and an honour."
The 36-year-old former Strictly Come Dancing champion fronts 'Hamza: African Birds of Prey,' embarking on what he described as "an unforgettable journey" across Kenya in search of some of Africa's most spectacular and threatened birds of prey, says Teessidelive.
Speaking to BBC Wildlife Magazine, Hamza said: "I've always been passionate about birds of prey and to be able to capture these incredible animals in Kenya was a privilege and an honour."
The film follows Hamza from the vast plains of the Maasai Mara to the shores of Lake Naivasha, through the ancient forests of the Kenyan coast and across the dramatic escarpments of the Rift Valley, according to reports from Teessidelive and South Wales Echo.
Birds of prey in focus
The documentary showcases an array of raptors, including African fish eagles, secretary birds, martial eagles, scops owls, lappet-faced and Rüppell's vultures, and the elusive African crowned eagle. Hamza joins dedicated scientists, conservationists, rangers ya and local communities working to protect these birds, from caring for injured vultures and satellite-tagging young eagles to monitoring remote clifftop nesting colonies.
Threats to Kenya's birds of prey include habitat loss, poisoning, the illegal wildlife trade and expanding infrastructure, as reported by Teessidelive. The documentary also highlights the remarkable resilience of these birds despite such pressures.
The film was described as "deeply personal" as Hamza forms connections with the people and wildlife he encounters, says South Wales Echo.
Scottish wildcat release
Hamza also recently went to the Scottish Highlands to assist with the release of three wildcats back into their natural habitat. He was accompanied by project worker Estelle Morgan, who told Hamza he was the first non-project staff member to release a wildcat. Hamza described the experience as a "once in a lifetime opportunity."
The wildcat release was not a focus of the Kenya documentary but illustrates Hamza's conservation work within the UK, as mentioned in the broadcast.
The documentary, 'Hamza: African Birds of Prey,' will be shown on BBC next weekend.
Perspectives
Hamza Yassin's perspective: Yassin sees the documentary as a highly personal achievement, describing it as "an absolute dream" and "a privilege and an honour," which reflects his deep passion for birds of prey and wildlife conservation.
Conservationist Estelle Morgan's perspective: Morgan, in her role with the training, expresses her appreciation for Hamza's participation and highlights that he was the first non-project staff member to release a wildcat, emphasizing the importance of hands-on conservation work.
Note: The above perspectives reflect voices quoted in the provided materials.