As Sir David Attenborough prepares to turn 100 this week, his remarkable career in broadcasting continues to inspire generations. From his early days on Zoo Quest to his recent work on Wild Isles, Attenborough has become the face and voice of natural history worldwide. Here are 22 of his most iconic television moments.
Attenborough and the Puffins, Wild Isles
In 2023's Wild Isles, Attenborough sits among a colony of Pembrokeshire puffins, urging viewers to invest in wildlife. His accessibility and urgency show a man still in his prime.
Attenborough and the Leatherback, Blue Planet II
At 91, Attenborough joined leatherback turtles on a Caribbean beach for Blue Planet II. With a half-chuckle, he exclaimed "Whoops" as a giant turtle prepared to lay eggs.
Attenborough vs Curling at the Winter Olympics, Radio 1
In 2014, Attenborough lent his iconic voice to women's curling on Greg James's show, narrating with trademark seriousness: "The frisking is frantic, and often futile."
Attenborough on Raine Island, Planet Earth III x Zoo Quest
Returning to Raine Island in 2023, Attenborough recalled filming green turtles there in 1957 for Zoo Quest, showcasing his remarkable longevity.
Attenborough and Sloth, The Life of Mammals
In 2002, Attenborough shared a playful moment with a sloth, saying "Boo!" as the creature stretched its head in curiosity.
Attenborough vs Python, Zoo Quest
In the 1950s, a young Attenborough wrestled a giant python in Indonesia, stuffing its head into a sack and grinning triumphantly.
Attenborough at Glastonbury 2019
At Glastonbury, Attenborough praised the festival's plastic-free efforts, receiving a roar from the crowd usually reserved for rock stars.
Attenborough and the Cargo Cult, The People of Paradise
In 1960, Attenborough explored the Cargo Cult of Vanuatu, offering a glimpse into a smaller world.
The Clever Killer Whales, Frozen Planet II
In 2022, Attenborough narrated killer whales creating waves to displace a seal, with grandfatherly pride as they feasted.
Lizard vs Snakes, Planet Earth II
A viral clip from 2016 showed a lizard sprinting through the desert, evading deadly snakes in a death match.
Attenborough and the Queen, The Queen's Green Planet
In 2018, Attenborough strolled with Queen Elizabeth II in Buckingham Palace gardens, two nonagenarians pottering together.
Attenborough and Obama, 2015
Attenborough discussed renewable energy and conservation with President Obama in the Oval Office, both looking statesmanlike.
Attenborough and Lonesome George, Galapagos 3D
In 2013, Attenborough whispered about Lonesome George, the last Pinta Island tortoise, who died two weeks later at age 102.
Attenborough and the Mountain Gorillas, Life on Earth
In 1979, Attenborough encountered mountain gorillas in Rwanda, grinning as baby gorillas removed his shoes.
Attenborough and the Baby Rhino, Africa
On all fours, Attenborough squeaked at a baby rhino, locking eyes in a moment of fraternity.
Attenborough's Butterfly, Micro Monsters
In 2013, a butterfly landed on Attenborough's finger as he narrated, his eyes fixed on its patterned wings.
Attenborough's Orangutan, Zoo Quest
Searching for orangutans in Indonesia, Attenborough found one screaming and throwing branches—fair enough to avoid a trip to 1950s London.
Attenborough at COP26, 2021
Opening COP26 in Glasgow, Attenborough urged: "Working together, we are powerful enough to save our planet."
Dancing with the Capercaillie, The Life of Birds
In Scotland, Attenborough was knocked down by a capercaillie, exclaiming "Now, now!" with a chuckle.
Attenborough, Tortoise and Graham Norton
On The Graham Norton Show in 2012, Attenborough narrated a tortoise attempting to mate with a rubber Croc: "The humble tortoise gently mounts his chosen mate."
Evil Shoebills, Africa
In 2013, Attenborough described shoebill chicks fighting: "It reveals a dark side."
Lions vs Elephant, Planet Earth
In 2006, night vision captured lions hunting an elephant, with Attenborough noting pragmatically that it would feed the pride for a week.
