Legendary wildlife documentary host David Attenborough said he had been “completely overwhelmed” by birthday greetings as he turned 100 on Friday, May 8, in a worldwide outpouring of affection for the beloved British wildlife broadcaster.
A leading voice on climate change and wildlife conservation, Attenborough has become a household name after more than 70 years of environmental film-making.
Known for his famous “Planet Earth” and “Our Planet” series, his instantly recognisable voice has become synonymous with the story of nature as he details the planet’s story from the gruelling Antarctic glaciers to the treacherous Amazon jungle.
A week of celebrations
In Britain, Attenborough’s centenary is being celebrated with a week of special broadcasts on the BBC, a live concert at the Royal Albert Hall, events at science museums, nature walks and tree planting.
Fans dressed in animal costumes – lions, tigers and bumble bees – gathered around a life-sized cardboard cutout of Attenborough late Thursday on London’s Trafalgar Square, singing wildlife ballads – Toto’s Africa, The Lion Sleeps Tonight by the Tokens – and of course, Happy Birthday.
“I had rather thought that I would celebrate my 100th birthday quietly, but it seems that many of you have had other ideas,” he said in an audio message released by the BBC.
“I’ve been completely overwhelmed by birthday greetings from preschool groups to care home residents and countless individuals and families of all ages.”
He thanked all those who had sent messages and wished anyone planning an event to mark the milestone “a very happy day”.
“He’s taken us to places that we would never otherwise go. That’s a huge gift,” botanist Sandra Knapp, director of research at London’s Natural History Museum, told AFP.
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Scheduled programming
The BBC is leading the celebration with a full week of programming dedicated to Attenborough’s life.
Classic episodes of series, including Planet Earth II and Blue Planet II, are being reshown, including others such as Life in the Freezer and Paradise Birds.
Knapp stated that Attenborough’s programmes had “expanded people’s horizons” and been an inspiration to many.
His lifelong passion for the natural world began as a child, and he went on to study geology and zoology at university.
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