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 2016, Britain’s favourite naturalist, Sir David Attenborough, turned 90!
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!
What do you think of our David Attenborough facts? Let us know by leaving a comment, below!
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COMMENTS
I have been entertained by David Attenborough's work and videos. I love his video's and all the animals he has seen and gone near.
hes so cute and pure i love himmmm
I'm a big fan of Sir David Attenborough. When I grow up I'm going to make a difference to the world just like him.
SO HELPFUL WE HAVE TO WRITE A BIOGRAPHY ABOUT HIM!!!
AWESOME!
David Attenborough lived for a very long time and he's still alive
cool
cool
brilliant in everything he does. he's amazing
Have loved David forever!!
Wow I love this you have been my fav person who studies animals plus I did my project on you it was really fun and interesting
good facts
i love David Attenborough! i always watch hisshows and i hope to be a zoologist when im older
I really enjoyed learning about sir David Attenborough. I am interested in animals as well and hope to become a zoologist. I hate a few animals but rats are one of them.
David Attenborough is amazing! I is going to make a vine for him!
I never knew any of these awesome facts about Sir David
Wow i never knew David Attenborough didn't like rats and that he actually met prince Charles and princess Anne
I come from Leicester
I found out things I didn't know, and I come from Leicester.
This was great
Really good info on David attenborough
Wow!
David Attenborough is my hero!!!
Hes such an inspiration and an incredible man, he will always be a legend and the world will grieve to his death because hes someone who has show and changed our views in nature :)
I really love you David because you are so inspiring to me!
Amazing
All I want to say is this was a big help on homework! LoL
david attenborogh is the best
Cant believe he won all those baftas
Im doing a speech on rats- Im awed to know david Attenborough doesnt like them either!! :-) xxxxxxx
Very informative. Im fascinated that he was born in the same year as the Queen!!!
I cant believe he doesnt like rats! They can be such friendly animals.
I found the facts fascinating. We try to watch all the things he dose
Amazing. Just amazing! I love animals. Sir David Attenborough is the best!!!!!
Really interesting
Hes super!
Happy birthday Sir David Attenborough! Hope you enjoy! Thank you for doing all your TV shows. My favourite is the Life of Birds documentary.
Nice facts Sir I salute to you
Sir David is the most inspirational animal lover and Ive learnt so much from his programmes.
David has help educate myself and my 3 children. He has brought nature into our house in a way no one ever else has. I know he is respected by my kids when I see their usual kids sitcom/cartoons switched over to catch up on Human Planet. Well done David
Good to find out more about one of my favourite people. Everything hes produced has been brilliant and ground-breaking, but such a humble man. A legend of our time!