Sir David Attenborough, the beloved broadcaster and naturalist, celebrated his 99th birthday on May 8, 2025, surrounded by tributes from fans, celebrities, and notable figures who have been inspired by his lifetime of work dedicated to the planet. Among the well-wishers was Prince William, who shared a heartfelt message on social media, praising Attenborough's unwavering commitment to environmental conservation and his latest film, Ocean, which premiered in cinemas the same day.
William's tribute highlighted the importance of Attenborough's work in raising awareness about the need to protect natural habitats, particularly those beneath the ocean. He wrote, "As he turns 99 today, in his new film, Sir David has once again reminded us of the need to protect natural habitats – this time those beneath the ocean. He has dedicated his life to ensuring we understand the realities of what mankind is doing to the planet. However hard-hitting his message is, Sir David always leaves us with a sense of hope and optimism that all is not lost and this film is no different. We must act together, with urgency, to restore our oceans. Happy Birthday, David."
Attenborough's impact on the world of wildlife and conservation is immeasurable. Mike Gunton, creative director at BBC Studios Natural History Unit, reflected on Attenborough's legacy, stating that he has shown viewers the wonders of nature and encouraged them to protect these marvels. Gunton remarked, "If you could do that in a lifetime, and speak to hundreds upon hundreds of millions of people and inspire them to do all that, that’s got to be one of the greatest legacies of any human being ever."
Born David Frederick Attenborough on May 8, 1926, in London, he has spent over seven decades captivating audiences with his documentaries, including Planet Earth and The Blue Planet. His career began in 1952 when he joined the BBC, and he quickly made a name for himself with the groundbreaking series Zoo Quest, which he hosted for ten years. In 1965, he became controller of BBC2, overseeing the advent of color television, but his passion for wildlife filmmaking eventually led him back to his roots.
Attenborough's iconic whispering voice became synonymous with nature documentaries, particularly after he was seen bonding with a family of gorillas in Life On Earth in 1979. His work has not only educated the public about the natural world but has also inspired generations to appreciate and protect it. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1985 and received a Knight Grand Cross honor in 2022 for his services to broadcasting and conservation.
On his 99th birthday, celebrities and organizations alike expressed their admiration for Attenborough. Lorraine Kelly, a fellow broadcaster, shared a heartfelt message, calling him "a giant of a man" and "the best of us." BBC journalist Amol Rajan hailed him as "the greatest living Briton," emphasizing the profound impact he has had on public understanding of science and nature. Rajan wrote, "Cherish him! Savour the fact that you share this precious blue marble, dangling in the infinite darkness, with someone who has fought so hard and so long to preserve it."
In addition to the film, Attenborough's new book, Ocean: Earth's Last Wilderness, was released, with John Murray Press donating at least 1,000 copies to schools and libraries across the UK to celebrate his birthday. The documentary Ocean reflects on Attenborough's life and the lessons he has learned from studying the Earth, encapsulating his belief that saving the sea is essential to saving the world. He stated, "After living for nearly 100 years, I now understand that if we save the sea we save our world."
Attenborough's commitment to environmental causes extends beyond his documentaries. He is closely involved with the Earthshot Prize, which awards £1 million annually to five projects tackling climate challenges. Prince William noted that Attenborough's lifetime of service has inspired not only him but also his children, saying, "Through his boundless curiosity, gentle wisdom, and unwavering commitment... he has brought the wonders of Earth into our homes and into our hearts."
As the world celebrates the remarkable life of Sir David Attenborough, his messages about conservation and the urgency of protecting our planet resonate more than ever. His work has inspired countless individuals to appreciate the beauty of nature and take action to preserve it for future generations. As he approaches his centenary, the legacy of this national treasure continues to grow, reminding us all of the importance of cherishing and protecting our natural world.
