Sir David Attenborough celebrates 100th birthday
Sir David Attenborough is considered a 'national treasure' for his conservation advocacy.
Animal welfare organisations and charities have paid tribute to Sir David Attenborough, as the veteran broadcaster and conservationist celebrates his 100th birthday.
Sir David, who is widely lauded as a ‘national treasure’, has been a steadfast presence on television presenting nine documentary series since 1954.
His presenting career began with the documentary series Zoo Quest, which led to more than eight decades of documentary making. Among his documentaries are the shows Natural World, The Blue Planet and the popular Planet Earth series.
His documentaries have been praised for raising awareness for a number of conservation issues. State of the Planet (2000) and Are We Changing Planet Earth? (2006) each addressed the threat of global warming, while Blue Planet II (2017) showed the dangers that plastic pollution poses to marine life.
As a conservationist, Sir David has advocated for international efforts to protect wildlife and preserve natural habitats which have been threatened by human activity. He was a member of the UK government’s Nature Conservancy Council from 1973 to 1982, where he was involved in several conservation and cultural roles.
He has served as an ambassador for the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), for which he was present at its founding in 1961, as a member of the Earthshot Prize Council and as president emeritus of the Wildlife Trusts.
His broadcasts have earned him eight BAFTAs, a Peabody Award and three Primetime Emmys for outstanding narrator. Sir David received his knighthood in 1985, before being appointed a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George in 2022.
Rebecca Machin, wildlife expert at the RSPCA, said: “Sir David Attenborough has inspired generations to fall in love with animals and he has been a lifelong advocate for wildlife. His passion, care and voice for conservation has encouraged millions of people - including many across the RSPCA - to dedicate their lives to helping animals.”
Meanwhile, the Natural History Museum has named a newly discovered parasitic wasp after the broadcaster – Attenboroughnculus tau.
In an audio message, Sir David Attenborough said: "I had rather thought that I would celebrate my 100th birthday quietly, but it seems that many of you have had other ideas.
"I have been completely overwhelmed by birthday greetings, from pre-school groups to care home residents, and countless individuals and families of all ages."
He added: "I simply can't reply to each of you separately, but I'd like to thank you all most sincerely for your kind messages, and wish those of you who have planned your own local events: Have a very happy day."
Sir David will be honoured by the BBC with a series of programming, including a special concert at the Royal Albert Hall, which will reflect on his long career with the broadcaster.
Image © Shutterstock.com/dom zara
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