Lucy Cooke is an acclaimed documentary presenter, zoologist and New York Times bestselling author who has made a career out of inspiring audiences to see the natural world in new ways. With her work featured on the BBC, National Geographic, Animal Planet and Discovery, Lucy blends scientific expertise with captivating storytelling. Recognised as National Geographic’s Emerging Explorer in 2012, she has become a trusted voice on animal behaviour, evolution and gender, encouraging audiences to question conventional wisdom and embrace fresh perspectives. As a speaker, she uses her passion for the natural world to motivate people to think differently about life, leadership and collaboration.
After earning a Master’s in Zoology from the University of Oxford, Lucy began her career directing at Oxford Films and producing at Endemol. In 2007, she became Editorial Director at DOC Society, where she developed outreach strategies for award-winning documentaries such as The End of the Line. By 2009, she had transitioned into presenting, writing and producing, working with the BBC and National Geographic on a range of acclaimed programmes. Her early success in television set the stage for a career dedicated to making science accessible, engaging and thought-provoking.
Lucy’s documentaries and books have reached global audiences. Her credits include 'Ingenious Animals', 'Animals Unexpected', and the award-winning 'Meet the Sloths'. As an author, she has published several popular works, from 'A Little Book of Sloth' in 2013, which became a New York Times bestseller, to her most recent title, 'Bitch: A Revolutionary Guide to Sex, Evolution & the Female Animal', which challenges long-held assumptions about female biology. She has also featured on Springwatch, Women’s Hour and Sue Perkins’ Nature Table, establishing herself as a voice who bridges science and society with wit and authority.
As a motivational speaker, Lucy engages audiences by connecting lessons from the animal kingdom to human challenges in the modern world. Whether addressing gender, resilience or teamwork, she provides a unique perspective rooted in biology yet relevant to everyday life. Her TED talks, including the celebrated 'Sloths! The Strange Life of the World’s Slowest Mammal', demonstrate her ability to combine humour, knowledge and storytelling. With her dynamic presence and ability to challenge assumptions, Lucy empowers audiences to embrace curiosity, diversity and new ways of thinking.
