Chris Packham
Broadcaster and environmental advocate
Integrity is key. Consider this question: “Has David ever deliberately deceived me?” The answer is unequivocally no. While some facts presented by him years back might have been revised by newer scientific findings, his honesty has never wavered. In times when trust is scarce, this truthfulness is undoubtedly his most significant virtue.
Robert Macfarlane
Author and scholar
Observing David’s work has brought me to an understanding that recognizing human qualities in other creatures simultaneously highlights our own animalistic traits. This insight is crucial in challenging the harmful ideology of human supremacy.
Barack Obama
Former U.S. President
David’s documentaries have taught me about the intricate interdependence of our ecosystems. It’s clear that isolated efforts are insufficient; collective global action is essential for environmental sustainability.
Arundhati Roy
Novelist
David has revealed the profound connections shared by all life forms on Earth. His teachings remind us that we are not solitary beings; rather, we exist in a web of relationships, with only the power to destroy or protect it.
John Ellis
Media Arts Professor
David Attenborough spent eight influential years as a senior manager at the BBC, yet he declined the position of director general. Admirably, he chose the creation of content over the allure of power, a rare decision in the television industry that we can all learn from.
Monty Don
Gardener and TV presenter
Early in my television career, I was influenced by watching David and his director fine-tune a segment for ‘The Private Life of Plants.’ His insistence on clarity and depth in communication has guided my own work ever since.
Helen Jukes
Writer
I often find myself searching for videos of ‘Attenborough and slug reproduction’ on YouTube. David’s ability to present the strange and wonderful aspects of nature keeps our perspectives fresh and curious.
Margaret Atwood
Writer
Living in Edinburgh during the debut of David Attenborough’s first series, I remember the streets being deserted. Everyone was indoors, glued to their televisions, captivated by a vision of nature they had never before witnessed.
Mike Gunton
Creative Director, BBC Natural History Unit
Thirty-five years ago, David joked about retiring after our current series. Now, at 99, he’s still active and passionate about his work. The takeaway? For a fulfilling and lengthy life, never retire!
George Monbiot
Columnist for The Guardian
Years ago, I criticized Sir David for underplaying environmental crises in his programs. Remarkably, instead of dismissing the criticism, he embraced it. At the age of 92, he adjusted his approach and began addressing these critical issues more directly.
Samantha Harvey
Booker Prize-winning author
David Attenborough’s portrayal of a bird-eating snake that mimics a spider to capture its prey has left a lasting impression on me. His work instills a sense of humility; humans are incredible, but so is every other creature on this planet.
Caroline Lucas
Green Party MP
The memory of mountain gorillas warmly interacting with David in ‘Life on Earth’ profoundly changed my perception of their nature. His reflections on the unfair portrayal of gorillas as violent contrast sharply with the gentle reality, highlighting our own species’ aggression.
Billie Eilish
Musician
David Attenborough’s profound affection and understanding of our planet and its wildlife rekindle the sense of wonder we all had as children. He is truly a living legend.
Mia Mottley
Prime Minister of Barbados
David’s voice has become a moral compass for our planet, stirring the conscience of generations and awakening a widespread desire to cherish and protect our natural environment.
Doug Allan
Wildlife and documentary cameraman
David’s concern for conservation extends even to his filming crew. During a shoot, he was cautious about driving a snowmobile near me while I was filming on the snow. His humorous caution about avoiding an accident was a reminder of his thoughtful nature.
Morgan Freeman
Actor
I’ve spent countless hours engrossed in his narratives, which remind us of the beauty and fragility of our shared world. David Attenborough’s voice has a unique way of bringing the wonders of our planet to life, inspiring and unforgettable.
Hannah Bourne-Taylor
Author, swift campaigner
Attenborough’s work has motivated me to transform my passion for birds into proactive conservation efforts. Interestingly, the average return date of swifts to Britain coincides with his birthday, symbolizing his deep connection with these creatures.
Dr. Paula Kahumbu
Conservationist, CEO of WildlifeDirect
David has shown me the immense power of storytelling in mobilizing nations to love, care for, and take action to protect nature. He inspired me to narrate African wildlife stories through local perspectives, significantly improving conservation outcomes.
Lily Cole
Model, environmental advocate
David Attenborough has demonstrated that the first step in safeguarding the incredible biodiversity of our planet starts with curiosity, love, and a sense of wonder.
Steve Backshall
TV presenter, wildlife expert
David taught me the importance of how to approach your heroes. A friend, who had worked as his producer, advised me to talk about something other than his inspirational impact, like rugby. When we met at an awards ceremony, just after Ireland had defeated the All Blacks, we ended up discussing the match for hours, a testament to his down-to-earth nature.
Michael Palin
Presenter, comedian
When Monty Python first aired, it was scheduled late at night in the hope it would go unnoticed. At a BBC event, the only executive who showed interest was David Attenborough, then director of programmes. He insightfully commented that the attempts to obscure the show would only increase its cult status. He was right. Years later, when he was to receive an award, he walked into the Canadian embassy without any fanfare. I expressed my admiration for his modest arrival, to which he humorously admitted he had mistakenly come on the wrong night the day before.
Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara
Children’s book author
David’s journey as a naturalist began in his childhood when a friend sent him a dried seahorse. This small gift ignited his lifelong passion for nature, a beautiful testament to how a simple act of sharing can inspire a lifelong pursuit.
Will Whatley
Captain of RRS Sir David Attenborough
David taught me the importance of not taking yourself too seriously. During the construction of the Royal Research Ship named after him, he agreed to record the onboard announcements, which always amuses the newcomers when they hear his voice informing them about the status of the ship’s facilities.
Doug Anderson
Wildlife cameraman
Having spent three decades filming wildlife under the ocean, David Attenborough’s voice often resonates in my head, narrating the wonder of the natural scenes I capture. His calm, reassuring words encourage me to persevere through challenging conditions and remind me to trust in the process and the journey of exploration.
Jane Fonda
Actress, activist
I’ve watched every one of his documentaries, each teaching us about the intricate connections within the natural world. His work emphasizes that everything is interconnected, and we must fight to protect every aspect of our environment.
Simon Armitage
Poet Laureate
David’s unique broadcasting style extends beyond mere scientific explanation. His voice conveys a sense of wonder and fortune at sharing our existence with such astonishing and beautiful creatures.
Hamza Yassin
Strictly winner, children’s TV presenter
Growing up in the UK, David Attenborough’s programs were my primary source of learning about the natural world. His enthusiastic presentation instilled in me the dream of becoming a wildlife cameraman.
Emily Eavis
Co-organizer of the Glastonbury festival
David Attenborough possesses a youthful spark that shines especially when he interacts with young people. During his visit to Glastonbury, he enthusiastically engaged with my children, discussing his love for Great Britain and its diverse natural beauty.
Fatima Clarke is a seasoned health reporter who bridges medical science with human stories. She writes with compassion, precision, and a drive to inform.
