Sir David Attenborough has expressed his gratitude for the flood of birthday wishes he has received ahead of his 100th birthday, admitting he had hoped for a quiet celebration but the British public had other plans. In a recorded audio message released the night before his milestone, the beloved naturalist said he had been 'completely overwhelmed' by messages from people of all ages, from pre-school groups to care home residents.
Royal Albert Hall Celebration
The centenary will be marked with a live event at the Royal Albert Hall, featuring music from his documentaries and reflections from public figures and advocates for the natural world. The event will be broadcast on BBC One. Additionally, the Natural History Museum's immersive exhibition 'Our Story With David Attenborough' will be adapted into a free five-minute show at Outernet London on Tottenham Court Road, starting on his birthday.
Honours and Tributes
Sir David has also been honoured with a bull named after him by animal charity Peta. The bull, called Sir Attenbullock, was rescued through Peta India's Delhi mechanisation project. A new species of wasp, native to the Patagonian lakes of Chile, has been named 'Attenboroughnculus tau' by the Natural History Museum in recognition of his work. The specimen was collected in 1984 and discovered by chance four decades later.
The broadcaster's influence extends to filmmakers, including director Gareth Edwards, who cited Attenborough's documentaries as inspiration for the awe and wonder in his film 'Jurassic World Rebirth'.
Sir David thanked well-wishers in his message, saying: 'I simply can't reply to each of you all separately, but I would like to thank you all most sincerely for your kind messages. I wish those of you who have planned your own local events tomorrow a very happy day.'
