Chris packham blasts the chase stars for swimming with dolphins

Chris said: “I've met the Chasers, they're a really nice bunch of people, but they're not natural historians. “And therefore, it's probably not at the forefront of their

thinking that, that sort of thing might be seen as unacceptable.” The naturalist stressed that it is the responsibility of the ITV production team to be aware of the “issues” around animals

in captivity, to ensure they don't "get into trouble" He added to The Mirror: “The production companies are putting it out and they shouldn't be asking their participants

to do things which are going to get them into trouble, whether it's speeding, you know, anything, which is now totally socially unacceptable.” READ MORE: DANNI MENZIES, 33, MOVES BACK

IN WITH HER PARENTS: 'I'M VERY HAPPY' His comments come as The RSPCA and other animal rights groups condemned the move by ITV to allow the stars to swim with the captive

mammals. The show was produced by production company Boundless and aired on ITV1. Speaking on their disappointment towards the scenes, The RSPCA said: "Swimming with dolphins may seem

appealing to holidaymakers, but we know that in reality they often have restricted space and can find swimming with people all day very stressful.” However, in a statement, ITV defended the

segment as an opportunity for The Chase stars to learn more animal intelligence. ITV said: “There is no endorsement of mistreatment of animals in this programme. As the show makes clear to

viewers, it sets out to challenge and enlighten our understanding of animal intelligence and does so in a way that prompts the Chasers to reflect on the ways animals are treated by humans

within our cultures and ask whether this should change. "The Producers took great care during the making of the series to ensure facilities featured had the highest standards of animal

welfare. "The Dolphin Research Centre where filming took place is a member of the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums, the international accrediting body for marine parks,

aquariums, zoos and research facilities. "Alliance-accredited institutions are the gold standard in marine mammal care at which animal experts dedicate their lives to the well-being of

the animals in their care and to the rescue and rehabilitation of marine animals in need of help." DONT MISS: Danni Menzies, 33, moves back in with her parents: 'I'm very

happy' (PHOTOS) Alison Steadman in Donald Trump rant: 'It's absolutely appalling' (NEWS) Piers Morgan slams Boris Johnson's 'shocking' COVID death toll

apology (LATEST) Meanwhile, The Chasers Road Trip star Anne apologised to viewers for wearing a swimsuit in the footage. Appearing on This Morning, Anne, Mark and Shaun spoke about filming

for the show which promoted The Governess' apology. Show host Phillip Schofield asked: “One of the things Anne looked like you might have enjoyed is the dolphins.” Anne replied: “Yeah,

it wasn’t so much the dolphins I just enjoy swimming and open water. “I’m sorry everyone had to see me in a [swimsuit], it was not a bikini.” As a clip played showing Anne in the water with

a life jacket on, she quipped: “And that’s me saying, ‘Can I please take the life jacket off?'” The series sees Mark, Anne and Shaun travel the globe to take on child geniuses, great

apes, and the latest AI and robot technology. _THE CHASERS ROAD TRIP AIRS ON THURSDAYS AT 9PM ON ITV._