TV presenter Terry Nutkins had a natural affinity with animals, and started skipping school and scaling the walls of London Zoo to feed the elephants at the age of 8. At the age of 15, he lost two of his fingers to an otter, while living in the west of Scotland with Scottish naturalist Gavin Maxwell.

Nutkins came to public attention in the late 70s and early 80s on the TV show Animal Magic, where he formed a close bond with host Johnny Morris. On the show, Nutkins was often seen with his pet sea lion, Gemini, whom he hand-reared as a pup.

Nutkins was fundamental in the creation of BBC's The Really Wild Show, which came two years after the end of Animal Magic. In the early days, he was joined by original hosts Nicola Davies and Chris Packham. The show was a favourite among children and an invaluable introduction to animals and their environments.

Terry Nutkins' natural enthusiasm made him popular among peers and the public, both young and old, and was a frequent face on television across the years. He left the Really Wild Show in 1993, the same year Michaela Strachan joined as a co-presenter. The show was axed by the BBC in 2006 after 20 years on television.

In 2009, Nutkins co-presented My Life As An Animal, with Rebecca Wilcox, for BBC Three. The show followed people living with animals - eating, sleeping and attempting to understand their behaviour. He called it "groundbreaking telly".

Nutkins was diagnosed with leukaemia last year and fought it "with great bravery", his agent John Miles said. He continued his career for as long as he could and did not want the public to know of his illness. Earlier this year he made his final TV appearance on BBC's Winter Watch.

"He was never happier than when he was with animals," said Mr Miles. "We will all miss him very, very much." He is survived by his wife, eight children and eight grandchildren.