A young David Attenborough from Zoo Quest for a Dragon
Renown broadcaster and naturalist, David Attenborough, celebrates his 90th birthday on Sunday, May 8. Attenborough took a 3 month training course for the BBC at a time when he did not own a television and had only seen one television program in his life. He was officially hired by the BBC in 1952, and by 1954 Attenborough had teamed up with Jack Lester of the London Zoo for Zoo Quest, and a phenomenal career was launched.
Attenborough in the recently discovered color footage of Zoo Quest Photo credit:BBC
The BBC recently pulled some Zoo Quest footage from the vault and discovered it was all filmed in color, even though the show was broadcast in black & white. They have made the previously unseen color film available online, and it is some remarkable footage.
Attenborough is no doubt best known for his Life series, starting with Life on Earth from 1979. Many leaders in their fields quickly warmed to Attenborough and agreed to be filmed for his programs, including Dian Fossey, Jane Goodall, Richard Dawson, Jim Watson and Francis Crick.
Attenborough with two young gorillas
When asked about his future plans as he entered his late eighties, Attenborough stated: “If I was earning my money by hewing coal I would be very glad indeed to stop. But I’m not. I’m swanning round the world looking at the most fabulously interesting things. Such good fortune.”
The man has led a remarkable life. Happy 90!
He even narrates Adele:
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