By Jasmine Serena (Y10)
On the 8th of may, British natural historian: David Attenborough celebrated his 100th birthday. He is regonized throughout the world as ‘the voice of nature’ and is most famous for his wildlife documentaries such as: The Blue Planet, Planet Earth and Frozen Planet. Many find his voice soothing and learn things they wouldn’t have known otherwise.
Attenborough was first knighted as a Knight Bachelor by Queen Elizabeth II in 1985. However in June 2022 he received higher rank when he was knighted Knight Grand Cross Of The Order of St Michael and St George (long name right?!) by then-Prince Charles.
Though his earlier work focused on exploration and biology, in his later decades he decided to switch his focus to informing and raising awareness about the harsh environmental truths. His 2017 series Blue Planet brought global attention to polluting issues.
Sir David Attenborough has inspired many children in the young generations since his speeches about preserving biodiversity and limiting climate change resulted in community level action in towns in the UK. I think the best part of his influence is in the little children who become curious to learn more. Also, Barak Obama counts theirselves as one of Attenboroughs biggest admire, frequently discussing climate change and environmental issues with him.
5 FUN FACTS
- He is the only person to win four BAFTA (brittish academy of film and television arts) for programs in 4 distinctly different categories: black-and-white, colour, high-definition (HD), and 3D.
- Attenborough doesn’t have a specific favourtite animal but he has said in multiple interviews that he finds the human baby the most interesting. Additionally, he has mentioned that he likes sloths due to their calm, thoughtful and tree loving nature.
- Over 40 species of plants and animals have been named after him (notably a butterfly: Attenborough’s black eyed satyr and a carnivourous pitcher plant: Nepenthes attenboroughii)
- When he was 11 years old and living in Leicester he would dig out newts of a nearby pond and sell them to the University College’s zoology department for 3 pence each
- Sir David never got his driving licence! Despite travelling to more than 40 countries in the world , he said he relied on walking, public transport or being driven
In conclusion, David Attenborough is an inspiration to young children and leader as he raises awareness about nature and how we must preserve it at all costs.