15 fascinating facts about Sir David Attenborough
Check out some fascinating David Attenborough facts, from his very first documentary to his least favourite animal, below…
On 8 May 2024, Britain’s favourite naturalist, Sir David Attenborough, turned 98!
David Attenborough facts
Sir David pictured with a young Prince Charles and Princess Anne.
1. Sir David Attenborough was born on 8 May, 1926, in Isleworth, West London
The same year as Queen Elizabeth II!
2. He was raised on the campus of University College, Leicester
Now the University of Leicester, where his dad was principal.
3. Sir David doesn’t count himself as an animal ‘lover’
But instead says he has always been fascinated by them.
4. He’s thrifty!
At 11 years old he struck a deal selling newts to University College, Leicester for 3d (3 pence) each. The newts only came from a pond 5m away from the university’s zoology department!
5. He is the only person to have won BAFTAs for programmes in black and white, colour, HD, and 3D.
6. He doesn’t own a car as he never passed his driving test
He’s also not keen on sending emails, and prefers receiving letters by fax or post.
7. During World War II his parents adopted two Jewish refugee girls from Europe.
8. There’s only one animal Sir David doesn’t like…
Rats!
9. Sir David was rejected from the first job he ever applied for at the BBC
The position of radio talk producer.
10. In 1947 he spent two years serving in the Royal Navy
Based in North Wales and the Firth of Forth.
11. When Sir David got his first job in television, he didn’t even own a TV
Like most British people at the time!
12. His first programme, called Coelacanth, looked at the rediscovery of the coelacanth
– a prehistoric fish.
13. Sir David has more than ten plants and animals named after him
Such as the Nepenthes attenboroughii – a giant carnivorous plant that devours animals as large as rats – and the UK’s new polar research vessel, RRS Sir David Attenborough.
14. In 1985 he received a knighthood
Granting him the title of Sir David Attenborough.
15. He’s thought to be one of the most well-travelled people on the planet
For The Life of Birds documentary, he travelled a whopping 256,000 miles – that’s the same as travelling around the world ten times!
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COMMENTS
Amazing facts about Sir David. Lots of things I didn't know. I adore him. He's an amazing man.
I'm doing a homework project about him and he's so fascinating
David Attenborough is one of my most respected and admired persons for his many contributions to the planet through plants and animals - a humble thank you.
OMG I did not know this
Soooooo fascinating
love it !
An amazing human being. He has given so much pleasure that so many. My favourite ‘personality’.
i personally think david attenborough is very cool.
AMAZNG FACTS SO INTERESTING
Don’t like rats either
Have loved his shows for all my life
He is the most recognised narrator without even seeing his face. I can't imagine anybody in the future will reach the same brilliant heights or be as wonderfully redeared by millions of people.
Great facts about David Attenborouogj and his life. I'd love to learn even .ore about him. An amazing man!
I don’t like rats ever errrr they are disgusting
I love rats
I don’t like rats to and it is so fun to read this amazing thing
Really good
Is there anywhere that Sir David hasn’t been? Where is his favourite place?
Wow that is fascinating!
I like David Attenborough because he loves animals like me!
He is my role model and i hope he inspires more people
I had no idea he was born in the same year as Queen Elizabeth! That's pretty cool!
A truely special individual!
That's surprising that he served in the navy, he doesn't seem the type to do that.
Wow a knighthood
He's such a nice person , his whole live dedicated to nature
I really think he is awesome
What a marvelous man and what a legacy he leaves for us all.
it is so crazy that he did not have a tv when he was growing up an he is so smart
he changed the world
he is so cool i want to be like him one day
When I grow up I want to be like David Attenborough I love nature
So interesting and all off these are brilliant I don’t like rats either
He is a fantastic documentary film maker. It's great that he met Greta Thunberg, the Swedish climate activist. Their difference in age: Over 75 years!
I live in new zealand and ex pat from uk. Have followed his programms forever. And his skill is humongous teaching people how to appreciate the best of our natural environment
He probably owns many Nepenthes attenboroughiis if he hates rats.
Great work on your facts!!!
David Attenborough is amazing! I had no idea about all the things he has done!!
this was very educational
Nice article
I liked this website because it is very good and gave me lots of information that I didn't know
David Attenborough is the most amazing person on this planet
Soooo cool
I can't believe that he travelled so far away. I don't like rats either. I am pleased that he got a knighthood.
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we must take more care in it . it is getting out of control love Ethan and Amelie
I love the facs and we lirnt alot
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well done !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Such good information make more like this!
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