David Attenborough at 99: Wildlife Legacy and Climate Leadership

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Sir David Attenborough turns 99: The boy who found 150-million-year-old fossils at age 11 became nature's most influential voice.

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Over 50 species now bear his name, from prehistoric plesiosaurs to living creatures like pitcher plants and echidnas.

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His childhood fascination with fossils led to groundbreaking documentaries like "Coelacanth" in 1952, documenting what many considered a living fossil

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The Zoo Quest expeditions (1954-60) revolutionized wildlife filmmaking by taking cameras to animals rather than bringing animals to studios.

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Did you know? His first BBC application was rejected in 1950, he never learned to drive, and he answers about 70 fan letters daily

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With 32 honorary doctorates, Attenborough holds more honorary degrees than anyone else in the UK

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He's the only person with BAFTAs in five categories: black-and-white, color, HD, 3D, and 4K

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Despite health challenges requiring a pacemaker (2013) and knee replacements (2015), he maintains daily cold-water swims at 99.

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His voice shaped climate policy at COP26: "The emergency climate comes down to a single number—the concentration of carbon in our atmosphere.

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World leaders honor his impact: Barack Obama said "Your voice unlocked wonder in me as a boy.

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The Royal Mint issued a £5 coin in 2024 celebrating his conservation work.

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In March 2025, NOAA designated the Attenborough Seamount Marine Sanctuary—the first protected area bearing his name.

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