Desmond Morris, Renowned Zoologist and Surrealist Artist, Passes Away at 98
Desmond Morris, the celebrated zoologist, author, and presenter, has died at the age of 98. He gained international fame in 1967 with his groundbreaking book The Naked Ape, which became a global bestseller. Morris was also a dedicated surrealist artist, often painting into the early hours of the morning, and he hosted numerous BBC documentaries and art exhibitions throughout his prolific career.
A Legacy of Exploration and Creativity
Morris's son, Jason, paid tribute to his father, highlighting his lifelong curiosity and achievements. "His was a lifetime of exploration, curiosity, and creativity," Jason said. "A zoologist, manwatcher, author, and artist, he was still writing and painting right up until his death. He was a great man and an even better father and grandfather." Born in Wiltshire in 1928, Morris served two years in the British army before pursuing his passions in the arts and natural history.
Academic and Media Contributions
Morris studied zoology at the University of Birmingham and earned a doctorate in animal behavior from Oxford University, where he focused on the reproductive behavior of birds. He became a household name as the host of ITV Granada's nature series Zoo Time from 1956 to 1967, featuring experts and exploring animal behavior. In 1959, he was appointed curator of mammals at London Zoo, a position he held for eight years.
His career with the BBC began in 1965, hosting Life in the Animal World, and he later presented documentaries such as Manwatching (1977) and The Human Animal (1994). Morris also made regular appearances on shows like Animals Roadshow and Friday Night And Saturday Morning.
Artistic Endeavors and Later Years
Morris was a prolific surrealist painter, with his work often influenced by his knowledge of natural history. He hosted art exhibitions, including a 1957 show at the Institute of Contemporary Arts in London that featured paintings by chimpanzees. In 1958, he co-organized The Lost Image exhibition at the Royal Festival Hall, comparing art by infants, adults, and apes.
Following the success of The Naked Ape, he authored follow-up books like The Human Zoo (1969) and Manwatching (1977), contributing to over 90 titles in his career. In recent years, Morris continued his academic and artistic work, with the BBC airing The Secret Surrealist in 2017, exploring his dual life as a painter. Last year, he mentioned to the Guardian that one of his 1948 paintings sold for over £50,000, expressing regret at not being able to repurchase it.
