“An understanding of the natural world is a source of not only great curiosity but great fulfilment.”
Sir David Attenborough
Introduction
Life is precious, and the preservation of our planet is essential. To save our environment and the many species that coexist with us, we need champion role models to inform and educate. The champion of this cause in this country is, without a doubt, Sir David Attenborough—a broadcaster and biologist whose voice is as mesmeric as a mongoose in the stare of a cobra. Sleek, informative and yet a man who is prepared to travel to the very ends of this earth to witness life forms in their natural habitat. A naturalist who has spent time with gorillas up close and personal and witnessed penguins in Antarctica huddled together to survive the freezing elements. With a meerkat perched on his shoulder or a python within centimetres of his nose, this energetic 98-year-old has broken all records by attaining the longest television career at 70 years and 246 days. A Guinness Book of Records holder. One that started in the days of black-and-white television on 2 September 1953 on the BBC Children’s Television show ‘Animal Disguises’.
A Living Legend
This multi-BAFTA holder has over thirty honorary degrees and two knighthoods. He was born in Isleworth in 1926 and grew up in College House on the campus of the University of Leicester, where his father, Frederick, was the principal. The middle brother of three, Richard, the actor and director, and John, an executive for Alfa Romeo, David was fascinated by nature from a young age, collecting fossils and newts. He quickly became aware of the possibilities of an ecological disaster and that many species were under the threat of extinction.
A grammar school boy who attended Wygesston Grammar School for Boys would win a scholarship to Clare College, Cambridge, in 1945, studying geology and zoology, obtaining a degree in natural sciences. In 1947, he joined the Royal Navy for his national service and spent two years in North Wales and the Firth of Forth.
Joining the BBC in 1954, he became the host of Zoo Quest and would become a senior manager at the BBC, a Controller of BBC2 and director of programming for the BBC in the 1960s and 1970s. A champion of colour television, he commissioned Pot Black, bringing snooker into the colour era and elevating its status as a game from a pastime to a competitive sport. The likes of Higgins, Spencer and Reardon became household names and treated us to the whispering commentary tones of Ted Lowe in all their glory.
David’s ethos has grown from exploring the wonders of the natural world to being a dominant voice supporting environmental causes and issues—these span issues like climate change, biodiversity population growth and natural preservation. He is a tireless nature crusader who never fears speaking out and visiting numerous television studios to make his voice heard. With a soft, well-spoken and articulate voice, Attenborough never fails to capture the hearts of a nation. A national treasure that is just as valued as the crown jewels. His suave looks and wisp of grey hair disguise a fierce warrior who is prepared to fight for the natural world until his last breath and refuses to retire from the media stage. His voice may be slightly weaker, his gait slower, but his eyes, brain and passion still burn as bright as that inquisitive child he once was.
The host of programmes such as Natural World, Wildlife on One, Planet Earth and The Blue Planet, David’s face and voice are instantly recognisable across the globe. A presenter who, with the aid of a highly skilled production crew, can bring the full glory of nature into your front room through your television screen. For sixty minutes, the viewer is transported into the very throws of nature. Animals feed their young, fighting for survival and the grace and elegance of their being. A televised treat that is more valuable than any birthday or Christmas present and brings joy to the young and old. A television icon who warms the heart and educates millions in the process.
