Message from Sir David Attenborough, 'the greatest ambassador for life on Earth', on his 100th birthday
British naturalist Sir David Attenborough said he was “completely overwhelmed by the congratulatory messages” he received on his 100th birthday on Friday, the BBC reports.
The anniversary of what is considered a “national treasure” in the United Kingdom will be marked with a special concert on Friday evening at the Royal Albert Hall concert hall in London.
“I thought I would celebrate my 100th birthday quietly, but it seems many of you had other ideas,” Sir David Attenborough said in an audio message broadcast on Thursday night.
“I've been completely overwhelmed with birthday wishes, from groups of pre-schoolers to nursing home residents, as well as countless people and families of all ages. I simply can't reply to each and every one of you, but I'd like to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your well wishes,” added Sir David Attenborough.
Friday night's performance at the Royal Albert Hall is the culmination of a week of special events and television programs in honor of Sir David, who was born on May 8 1926 and joined the BBC in 1952, the BBC notes.
The naturalist, whose unmistakable voice described the wonders of life on Earth to billions of people, inspired global efforts to value and protect wildlife during a lifetime that coincided with mass extinctions and the collapse of a stable climate.
To mark his birthday, the Natural History Museum has named a newly discovered species of parasitic wasp – Attenboroughnculus tau – after him and is running an interactive exhibition, 'Our Story with David Attenborough', until August.
Tributes from the world of science, politics and culture
Naturalist Chris Packham said of Sir David Attenborough that “he is the greatest presenter alive and was the greatest ambassador for life on Earth that the planet has had and will ever have”, according to The Guardian.
Actor Ian McKellen also said Attenborough represented “the very best of the BBC”, making serious programs for a wide audience.
“His ability to convey his own enthusiasm is very precious and has brought so much joy to so many people,” he said.
Attenborough is recognized as a consummate storyteller, whose concise narratives and sense of humor connect viewers to ecosystems from the Amazon and Atlantic to the Arctic and the African savannah.
He is a passionate supporter of the natural world. Attenborough is probably the most reliable interpreter of other species for mankind and certainly one of the most popular Britons, according to the polls.
