During the recent episode of BBC One’s Countryfile on November 16, presenter Hamza Yassin experienced a profoundly moving and historic moment. Traveling to the Scottish Highlands, Hamza took part in a groundbreaking conservation effort to reintroduce three wildcats into their natural habitat—one of Britain’s rarest and most elusive predators.
Working alongside project expert Estelle Morgan, Hamza helped release the wildcats after a period of care and rehabilitation. Estelle revealed that Hamza was the very first person outside the project team to be entrusted with this crucial task. “You know you’re the first person who isn’t project staff who is releasing a wildcat,” she told him. Overwhelmed, Hamza expressed his gratitude, calling it an “honour indeed.”
As they approached the woodland enclosure late into the evening, Hamza observed the sleeping wildcats with awe. Together, they carefully opened the pen and set out food to encourage the creatures to emerge into the wild. “These guys are absolutely phenomenal,” Hamza reflected. “I can see why they are truly wildcats. They are majestic, beautiful, and fiercely wild.”
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After releasing the cats, Hamza and Estelle discreetly left the site, hopeful to see the animals thrive in their new environment. Subsequent camera trap footage confirmed one of the wildcats had already left its enclosure, a moment that brought genuine excitement to Hamza and the conservation team.
In other Countryfile news, Adam Henson recently highlighted inspiring stories of young countryside champions. Among them was beekeeper Dafydd Pett from Bridgend, who shared a heartfelt tribute to his late grandfather. At just 14, Dafydd took on the responsibility of caring for the family’s bees after his grandfather’s passing in 2017, ensuring the cherished tradition would continue.
Countryfile continues to air every Sunday at 5:25pm on BBC One, bringing stories of British wildlife and countryside conservation into viewers’ homes.