Sir David Attenborough, the renowned wildlife expert and broadcaster, is celebrating his 100th birthday on May 8. Known for his iconic nature documentaries like “Planet Earth,” “The Blue Planet,” and “Frozen Planet,” Attenborough released the feature documentary “Ocean with David Attenborough” last year.
Despite his love for animals, there is one creature that Attenborough is not fond of – rats. He once recounted a chilling encounter with a rat in the Solomon Islands that left a lasting impression on him.
Attenborough has had over 40 species named after him, including a butterfly, a miniature orchid, and a new species of wasp called “Attenboroughnculus tau,” unveiled in honor of his centenary.
In the 1960s, Attenborough’s suggestion to change the color of tennis balls to bright yellow for better visibility during broadcasts revolutionized the sport. He has been knighted twice, in 1985 by Queen Elizabeth and again in 2022 by Prince Charles.
Attenborough holds multiple Guinness World Records, including being the only person to win BAFTA awards for color, black and white, HD, and 3D programs. He also made history by taking a 1,000-foot dive at the Great Barrier Reef at the age of 89.
As a young boy, Attenborough sold newts he collected to a university department. Despite receiving numerous letters from fans, he prefers traditional mail over social media interactions.
Attenborough’s documentary “Blue Planet II” played a significant role in raising awareness about the impact of single-use plastics on marine life. His advocacy for environmental issues has earned him accolades, including the Chatham House prize.
If Attenborough could be an animal for a day, he humorously mentions that he would choose to be a sloth due to their leisurely lifestyle.