When Sir David Attenborough was born in 1926, George V was on the throne, Stanley Baldwin was prime minister, and the BBC was still in its infancy. Over the decades, Attenborough has become the face and voice of natural history worldwide. From chasing animals through jungles and deserts to observing the myriad changes in our ecosystem, he has guided generations through the wild citizens and untouched places of our planet. As the presenter turns 100 today, we look at some of the most defining moments from his televisual career.
Attenborough and the Puffins, Wild Isles
In 2023's domestic-focused Wild Isles, Attenborough sits among a colony of Pembrokeshire puffins. 'Never has there been a more important time,' he implores the audience, 'to invest in our own wildlife.' In its accessibility and urgency, it shows a man still in his prime.
Attenborough and the Leatherback, Blue Planet II
At 91, Attenborough could have been forgiven for relaxing on a Caribbean beach. Instead, in 2017, he found himself in the moonlight with leatherback turtles. 'Whoops,' he exclaims with a half-chuckle as a giant turtle prepares to lay her eggs.
Attenborough vs Curling at the Winter Olympics, Radio 1
In 2014, Attenborough lent his distinctive voice to women's curling on Greg James's Radio 1 show. 'The frisking is frantic,' he said, 'and often futile.' His serious tone paired with lack of self-importance has been key to his success.
Attenborough on Raine Island, Planet Earth III x Zoo Quest
'As far as I know,' Attenborough told viewers in 2023, 'I was one of the first people to film on Raine Island, back in 1957.' Reflecting on his first visit 66 years earlier for Zoo Quest, he witnessed the world's largest population of green turtles, showcasing remarkable longevity.
Attenborough and Sloth, The Life of Mammals
In 2002, Attenborough shared an intimate moment with a sloth. 'Boo!' he says playfully. The herbivore looks back with measured curiosity, creating a beautiful ambiguity about who is scientist and who is subject.
Attenborough vs Python, Zoo Quest
In the 1950s, a young Attenborough faced an enormous python in Indonesia. With his recognizable voice but a nimble figure, he stuffed the python's head into a burlap sack and grinned triumphantly for the camera.
Attenborough at Glastonbury 2019
In 2019, Attenborough took the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury to give a rousing speech about the festival going plastic-free. 'That is more than a million bottles of water that have not been drunk by you in plastic bottles,' he said, earning a roar usually reserved for rock stars.
Attenborough and the Cargo Cult, The People of Paradise
In 1960's The People of Paradise, Attenborough explored cultural anthropology among the Cargo Cult of Vanuatu, who worship a mystic figure called 'John Frum.' It reminds us how much smaller the world seemed when he first began broadcasting.
The Clever Killer Whales, Frozen Planet II
During 2022's Frozen Planet II, Attenborough narrated as killer whales created waves to displace a seal. 'It's an ingenious solution,' he says with grandfatherly pride as the whales feast.
Lizard vs Snakes, Planet Earth II
In 2016, a lizard sprinting through the desert evaded deadly snakes in a death match that went viral on social media, aided by a slot on Gogglebox.
Attenborough and the Queen, The Queen's Green Planet
In 2018, Attenborough walked with Queen Elizabeth II in Buckingham Palace gardens. Both nonagenarians born weeks apart in 1926, they pottered around, discussing trees in a pleasing encounter of living legends.
Attenborough and Obama, 2015
In 2015, Attenborough sat with President Barack Obama in the Oval Office to discuss the renewable energy transition, urbanization, and educating children about nature. Both men looked more statesmanlike than politicians at subsequent COP conferences.
Attenborough and Lonesome George, Galapagos 3D
'This is the rarest living animal in the world,' whispered Attenborough as Lonesome George, the last Pinta Island tortoise, crawled beside him. The tortoise, born in 1910, died a fortnight later at 102, making this his last on-camera interview.
Attenborough and the Mountain Gorillas, Life on Earth
In this 1979 encounter at Dian Fossey's sanctuary in Rwanda, mountain gorillas tussled with Attenborough. Rather than flee, he submitted, grinning as baby gorillas removed his shoes. It remains a wonderfully corporeal moment.
Attenborough and the Baby Rhino, Africa
On all-fours in the African savannah, Attenborough came face to face with a baby rhinoceros. They squeaked at each other, and the moment of locking eyes remains iconic, showing fraternity rather than enchantment.
Attenborough's Butterfly, Micro Monsters
In 2013's Micro Monsters, a butterfly landed on Attenborough's index finger, holding its poise while he delivered trademark narration, his eyes staring at the patterned wings inches from his face.
Attenborough's Orangutan, Zoo Quest
Zoo Quest introduced the British public to far-flung locales. Searching for an orangutan in Indonesia, Attenborough spotted its orange fur. The ape screamed and threw branches, anything to avoid a trip to 1950s London.
Attenborough at COP26 2021
Opening COP26 in Glasgow, Attenborough delivered a rousing speech: 'If working apart we are a force powerful enough to destabilize our planet, surely working together we are powerful enough to save it.' It was a spine-tingling moment.
Dancing with the Capercaillie, The Life of Birds
In Scotland, Attenborough got close to a capercaillie. 'He is so charged up,' he observed as the bird knocked him to the ground. 'Now, now!' he exclaimed with a chuckle.
Attenborough, Tortoise and Graham Norton, The Graham Norton Show
In 2012, Graham Norton asked Attenborough to narrate grainy footage of a tortoise mounting a rubber Croc. 'The humble tortoise gently mounts his chosen mate,' Attenborough said soberly, 'in a dance as old as time itself.'
Evil Shoebills, Africa
In 2013's Africa, two shoebill chicks fought in their mother's absence. 'This reveals a dark side,' Attenborough growled as the grotesque bird bit its runty brother's neck.
Lions vs Elephant, Planet Earth
In 2006, using night vision, the team captured lions hunting an elephant. 'They're specialist elephant hunters,' Attenborough said. He concluded pragmatically that 'this elephant will feed the whole pride for at least a week.'
