You’ve probably seen Megan McCubbin on TV talking about animals and conservation. She’s become one of the most familiar faces in British wildlife programming. But have you ever wondered about the person who helped shape her into the passionate conservationist she is today? That person is Jo McCubbin, Megan’s mum, and her story deserves to be told.
Jo McCubbin isn’t someone who chases the spotlight. While her daughter appears on shows like Springwatch and her ex-partner Chris Packham is a household name, Jo has always preferred to stay in the background. But make no mistake—her influence runs deep.
Who is Jo McCubbin?
Jo McCubbin worked as a nurse before becoming widely known as Megan McCubbin’s mother. If you know anything about nursing, you’ll understand it’s a job that requires real heart—patience, kindness, and genuine care for people. These same qualities clearly shaped how she raised her daughter.
Unlike many people connected to celebrities, Jo has chosen to keep her personal life private. There’s no Instagram account documenting her every move, no Twitter presence, no public appearances at events. She’s just not interested in that life, and honestly, that’s pretty refreshing in today’s world where everyone seems desperate for attention.
Jo’s Work as a Nurse
Being a nurse isn’t just a job—it’s a calling. Jo McCubbin spent her working life caring for others, which tells you a lot about who she is as a person. Nurses see people at their most vulnerable, and they need to be strong, compassionate, and reliable.
These same qualities came through in how she raised Megan. The caring nature you need to be a good nurse is the same thing you need to be a great parent. And from what we can see of Megan’s success and character, Jo clearly excelled at both.
Jo McCubbin and Chris Packham: How It All Began
When Megan was just two years old, Jo started dating Chris Packham, the well-known naturalist and TV presenter. They eventually got married, creating a home where wildlife and conservation became part of everyday life.
Think about what that meant for young Megan. Instead of the usual family dinners, there were probably conversations about animal behavior and environmental issues.
Instead of typical family outings, there were likely trips to nature reserves and behind-the-scenes access to wildlife filming. Jo helped create this environment and made sure Megan got the most out of these experiences.
Their marriage lasted about ten years, and during that time, Megan grew up immersed in a world most kids only see on television.
When Things Changed
Jo and Chris divorced in 2008. Now, we’ve all seen messy divorces—especially when famous people are involved. But this one was different. Jo McCubbin and Chris handled things with real maturity and grace.
They didn’t let their personal issues affect Megan. They stayed friendly and supportive of each other. Chris remained an important part of Megan’s life, and Jo never tried to interfere with that relationship. That takes real character—putting your child’s needs ahead of your own hurt feelings.
This kind of co-parenting deserves recognition because it’s not easy. It shows Jo’s strength and her clear priorities—Megan came first, always.
How Old is Jo McCubbin?
Jo keeps her personal details private, but we can make some educated guesses. Megan was born in February 1995, which would put Jo somewhere in her late 50s to early 60s now.
What’s interesting about her age is the perspective it gives her. Jo grew up during the 1970s and 1980s when environmental awareness was really starting to take off.
She would have seen David Attenborough’s documentaries becoming mainstream, watched the first Earth Day celebrations, and witnessed conservation moving from a fringe interest to something people actually cared about.
Learning From Experience
Growing up during that time meant Jo saw firsthand how attitudes toward wildlife and conservation changed. She watched as protecting the environment went from being something only “hippies” cared about to becoming a serious political and social issue.
This background probably influenced how she raised Megan. Jo understood the power of television to change minds about conservation. She knew that people needed to see and connect with wildlife to care about protecting it. She had decades of watching this transformation happen, and she used that knowledge when guiding her daughter.
Jo McCubbin’s Family Life: Building a Home That Valued Nature
The way you grow up shapes who you become. Jo understood this and worked hard to create a home where Megan could explore her interest in animals and nature.
Starting Young
From the time Megan was tiny, she was around animals and wildlife professionals. When Jo started dating Chris Packham, Megan went from a regular childhood to one where film crews, conservationists, and discussions about endangered species became normal.
But here’s what’s impressive—Jo didn’t let this unusual childhood become overwhelming. She kept things balanced. Megan still had a normal childhood in many ways, but with added access to amazing wildlife experiences. That balance takes real skill as a parent.
How Jo Approached Parenting
Looking at how Megan turned out, we can learn a lot about Jo McCubbin’s approach to raising her:
She Encouraged Without Pushing: Jo clearly supported Megan’s love of animals without forcing it. Kids can tell when their parents are living through them versus genuinely supporting their interests. Jo did the latter.
She Valued Education: Megan has dyslexia, which can make school really challenging, especially in science subjects. Jo made sure Megan got the help she needed and never gave up on her education. That support helped Megan eventually earn a zoology degree from the University of Liverpool.
She Taught Values That Matter: Everything we see in Megan’s work—the ethics, the compassion for animals, the commitment to conservation—that came from somewhere. It came from watching her mother live those values every day.
She Stayed Strong During Hard Times: Divorce is tough on everyone, especially kids. Jo managed to keep Megan’s life stable and positive even during difficult personal times.
What About Jo McCubbin’s Money?
Here’s the thing—we don’t actually know Jo McCubbin’s net worth, and that’s because she’s not a public figure who has to disclose that information. She worked as a nurse, not in entertainment, so there weren’t big paychecks making headlines.
Why Money Doesn’t Tell The Whole Story
Honestly, asking about Jo’s wealth kind of misses the point. Sure, she probably isn’t sitting on millions like some TV personalities. But measuring her success in pounds and pence doesn’t make sense.
Her real wealth shows up in different ways:
- She raised a daughter who’s making real differences in conservation
- She maintained good relationships with family, even after divorce
- She lived according to her values instead of chasing money or fame
- She found satisfaction in meaningful work rather than pursuing celebrity status
That’s the kind of wealth that actually matters in life. The kind that lets you sleep well at night knowing you did right by the people you love.
Megan McCubbin: What Jo’s Parenting Achieved
Want to see Jo McCubbin’s real impact? Look at her daughter. Megan has become one of Britain’s most recognizable young wildlife presenters, appearing regularly on BBC’s Springwatch, Autumnwatch, and Winterwatch.
Helping Megan Through School
Remember, Megan has dyslexia. Reading and writing don’t come easy, which is rough when you’re trying to study science at university level. But Jo made sure Megan got the support she needed.
With her mum’s backing, Megan didn’t just scrape through—she thrived. She studied Environmental Studies at A-Level, did a foundation year in Biological Science, and then got her zoology degree. That doesn’t happen without someone in your corner believing in you and fighting for what you need.
From Kid Who Loved Animals to Professional Conservationist
In 2017, Megan hosted a BBC documentary about the bear bile industry. She became a regular on Al Jazeera’s environmental program. She’s now a voice that millions of people listen to when it comes to wildlife and conservation.
This career path—from animal-loving kid to respected wildlife journalist—shows the foundation Jo built. The values she taught Megan are obvious in the work Megan chooses to do. She doesn’t chase celebrity or easy entertainment jobs. She focuses on meaningful stories that educate people about conservation issues.
Why Jo McCubbin Stays Out of the Spotlight
In today’s world, most people connected to famous individuals would be all over social media. They’d be doing interviews, posting photos, building their own “brand.” Not Jo McCubbin. She’s chosen a completely different path.
There’s Strength in Staying Private
Jo’s decision to stay private doesn’t mean she’s shy or lacking confidence. It actually shows:
She Knows What Matters: Jo understands her role was supporting her daughter, not seeking her own fame.
She Values Her Personal Life: She’s drawn clear lines between what’s public (her daughter’s career) and what’s private (her own life).
She Lives Authentically: Jo has chosen a lifestyle that fits who she is rather than what others expect.
She’s Secure in Herself: She doesn’t need public validation or social media likes to feel good about her life and choices.
In a world obsessed with attention and followers, Jo’s quiet confidence stands out. She’s comfortable with who she is without needing strangers on the internet to affirm it.
Jo Shows There Are Different Ways to Make an Impact
We often forget about people like Jo McCubbin who make huge differences by supporting others rather than being in the spotlight themselves. But her contribution is just as important as the conservationists we see on TV.
Think about it—without parents, teachers, and supporters creating stable environments and providing emotional support, could activists and advocates do their work? Probably not. Jo represents this essential support system that makes everything else possible.
The Values Jo McCubbin Passed On
While Jo doesn’t talk publicly about her personal beliefs, we can see her values clearly reflected in how she raised Megan.
Getting Kids Outside
Jo obviously believed in hands-on experiences with nature. Megan wasn’t just watching nature documentaries—she was out there touching, seeing, and experiencing wildlife firsthand from early childhood.
Research actually backs this up. Kids who spend time in nature are more likely to care about protecting it as adults. Jo either knew this instinctively or deliberately made it part of how she raised Megan.
Substance Over Show
Megan could have easily gone the influencer route—pretty pictures with animals, sponsored posts, easy money. Instead, she does serious conservation journalism and educational work. That choice reflects the values Jo taught her.
Jo’s nursing background and her approach to life clearly emphasized doing meaningful work over seeking attention or easy success.
Caring for All Living Things
Between Jo’s work in healthcare and her support of Megan’s wildlife interests, there’s a clear pattern—caring about all living creatures. This worldview, that humans have a responsibility to look after other species, is the heart of modern conservation work.
Jo McCubbin and Chris Packham: A Team Effort
The ten years Jo and Chris spent together weren’t just about their relationship—they were a partnership in raising an environmentally aware kid and creating a home centered on conservation.
Different Strengths, Shared Goals
Chris brought his professional knowledge and public platform. Jo brought stability, day-to-day care, and the kind of nurturing that keeps a household running. Both were essential.
This shows something important about conservation work—it takes all kinds of contributions. Not everyone needs to be the person on camera. Someone has to create the stable home environment, handle the practical stuff, and provide emotional support. Jo did that work, and it mattered just as much.
Working Together After the Split
What’s even more impressive is how Jo and Chris continued working together for Megan’s sake after their divorce. Staying friendly with an ex is hard. Doing it well enough that your kid can maintain close relationships with both of you takes real effort.
Jo’s willingness to make this work shows what really mattered to her—not personal grudges or hurt feelings, but making sure Megan had the support and guidance she needed.
Jo McCubbin as Part of Something Bigger
Jo’s story fits into a bigger picture—people who make crucial contributions without seeking credit. Every success story has these people in it, even if we don’t always hear about them.
The People Behind the People
Conservation work, like any demanding career, needs strong support systems. Someone has to handle the everyday responsibilities, provide emotional support, and create stable environments so the activists and advocates can do their work.
Jo McCubbin is a perfect example. By creating a nurturing home, managing the practical aspects of family life, and providing rock-solid emotional support, she enabled both her daughter and ex-partner to pursue their conservation work.
Every Role Matters
Conservation movements are slowly realizing that meaningful contribution comes in many forms. Not everyone can be a researcher, TV presenter, or activist. Some contribute by teaching, some by supporting others, and some—like Jo—by raising the next generation of conservation leaders.
What We Can Learn From Jo McCubbin
Even though Jo stays private, her daughter’s success and character teach us a lot about her approach to life and parenting.
Values Beat Status Every Time
Jo clearly cared more about teaching Megan strong values than chasing status, wealth, or recognition. She focused on character development, not superficial success. And it worked—Megan is doing meaningful work and living ethically.
Support Dreams Without Controlling Them
Jo created environments where Megan’s passion could grow while letting her daughter choose her own path. She didn’t force Megan into conservation work—she made it possible and let Megan decide.
Handle Tough Times with Grace
Jo’s handling of divorce and family changes shows real maturity. Instead of letting personal problems hurt her daughter, she kept things stable and maintained positive relationships. That takes strength.
Be Yourself, Not What Others Expect
In an age of constant social media sharing and public performance, Jo’s commitment to privacy shows authentic living. She chose what worked for her values rather than what others expected.
Jo McCubbin’s Ongoing Legacy
While Jo keeps her own life private, her influence keeps growing through Megan’s work and the broader impact on conservation awareness.
Passing It Down Through Generations
The values Jo taught Megan will probably influence future generations—whether through Megan’s own kids someday or through young conservationists Megan mentors. That’s Jo’s impact reaching way beyond her immediate family.
Inspiring Other Parents
Jo’s example gives other parents a blueprint for nurturing their kids’ interests and values. Her approach shows that meaningful contribution doesn’t require being in the spotlight—thoughtful parenting creates lasting impact.
Wider Cultural Influence
As Megan’s career keeps growing and reaching more people, the foundation Jo provided becomes increasingly important. Every person Megan influences through her TV work, every conservation campaign she supports, every educational initiative she takes on—all of it reflects, in part, what her mother taught her.
Jo McCubbin’s Quiet Leadership
Leadership looks different depending on who’s doing it. Jo shows us a type of leadership we often overlook—the quiet strength of people who help others succeed without wanting credit for themselves.
Leading by Doing, Not Talking
Jo’s life demonstrates living your values through actions rather than words. This type of leadership—showing rather than telling—often creates the most lasting impact.
Lifting Others Up
Rather than trying to be heard herself, Jo focused on giving her daughter the platform and voice to speak. This approach to influence—enabling others instead of demanding your own spotlight—is generous and effective.
Creating Change Through Relationships
Jo’s main influence has been through family and close relationships, but the ripple effects spread globally through Megan’s work. This shows how relationship-based influence can ultimately create broad change in society.
Understanding Jo McCubbin: Some Final Thoughts
Jo McCubbin represents countless people who make real contributions to society through roles that rarely get public recognition. As a nurse, mother, and supporter of conservation values, she’s influenced not just her family but, through them, contributed to broader wildlife conservation awareness.
Her story reminds us that impact doesn’t require fame, that meaningful contribution often happens behind the scenes, and that helping others succeed is itself valuable and worthy work.
Jo’s decision to stay private while supporting her daughter’s very public career shows confidence, clear purpose, and understanding that success looks different for different people.
For anyone interested in wildlife conservation, understanding the human stories behind successful advocates provides important context. Megan McCubbin’s passion and effectiveness didn’t just appear out of nowhere—they developed through years of nurturing, support, and value-instillation provided by Jo McCubbin.
Common Questions About Jo McCubbin
What does Jo McCubbin do for work?
Jo McCubbin worked as a nurse. Her nursing career reflects her caring nature and dedication to helping others.
How old is Jo McCubbin?
While Jo keeps her exact age private, based on her daughter Megan being born in February 1995, she’s probably in her late 50s to early 60s now.
When did Jo McCubbin and Chris Packham split up?
Jo and Chris divorced in 2008, though they’ve stayed on good terms and focused on co-parenting Megan.
What’s Jo McCubbin’s relationship with Megan McCubbin like?
Jo is Megan’s mum and has been key in shaping her daughter’s passion for wildlife conservation and successful broadcasting career.
Is Jo McCubbin on social media?
No, Jo maintains a very private life and doesn’t have a public social media presence. She prefers staying out of the public eye.
How much money does Jo McCubbin have?
Jo’s finances aren’t publicly known. As someone who worked in nursing rather than entertainment, she’s chosen to keep financial details private.
Wrapping Up: Jo McCubbin’s Lasting Influence
Jo McCubbin isn’t a household name, and she clearly likes it that way. But her influence on wildlife conservation through her daughter Megan and her role in creating a conservation-focused family with Chris Packham represents a real contribution to environmental awareness in Britain.
Her story challenges how we think about success and meaningful contribution. Jo shows us that profound impact doesn’t need public platforms, that nurturing others’ talents is valuable work, and that living according to your values rather than seeking external validation is true success.
As environmental challenges get worse and we need more dedicated conservationists, people like Jo McCubbin—those who raise, support, and enable the next generation of environmental advocates—deserve recognition and appreciation.
Her quiet strength, values-based parenting, and commitment to privacy while supporting her daughter’s public career show a different kind of leadership our society needs more of.
Jo McCubbin’s legacy keeps expanding with each person her daughter influences, each conservation message that reaches new audiences, and each young person inspired to pursue environmental protection.
That legacy, built through love, support, and commitment to values, represents the kind of lasting impact that goes beyond any individual achievement or recognition.
Understanding Jo McCubbin gives us insight not just into one woman’s life but into the human side of conservation movements, the importance of supportive families, and the power of values-based living to create change across generations.
