When it comes to public figures who have virtually universal acclaim, appeal, and adoration, few reach the same kind of status as Sir David Attenborough. The beloved broadcaster, naturalist, conservationist, writer, and narrator has had a storied life and career. Many of us have grown up listening to his dulcet tones and gaining a new, or deeper, appreciation for the natural world around us. Today, May 8, is his birthday, and it’s a momentous occasion as the man marks an impressive 100 years on Earth.
Yesterday, Sir David Attenborough shared a special birthday message via the BBC.
“I had rather thought that I would celebrate my 100th birthday quietly, but it seems that many of you have had other ideas. I’ve been completely overwhelmed by birthday greetings from preschool groups to care home residents and countless individuals and families of all ages.
“I simply can’t reply to each of you all separately, but I would like to thank you all most sincerely for your kind messages, and wish those of you who have planned your own local events tomorrow, have a very happy day.”
As a man with a storied career, you can celebrate his birthday with a variety of experiences in the city. Here are our picks for the best ways to mark his 100th birthday.
Visit the Natural History Museum’s immersive experience
Sir David Attenborough and the Natural History Museum joined forces last year on a stunning immersive experience: ‘Our Story with David Attenborough’. The experience takes visitors through the Jerwood Gallery, as Attenborough’s dulcet tones document the tale of, well, us. It’s ‘our story’.
It starts at the inception of the world over four billion years ago, with Attenborough taking us through our evolution and how humans came to change planet Earth. It then looks towards the precious future of the planet, posing a possibility of what it might look like. Throughout the show, guests are surrounded by images of the natural world, which fill the space through state-of-the-art technology.
📍 The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, SW7 5BD.
🚇 The nearest station is South Kensington.
Experience ‘Our Story’ for free
If you can’t nab tickets to the experience at the Natural History Museum, head on over to Outernet, where a special presentation of the experience launches today. Outernet has joined forces with the museum to adapt the immersive show into a special 5-minute presentation across Outernet’s vast screens.
Oh, and did we mention it’s entirely FREE? The show will run regularly from May 8 – 31. Find out when it’s screening here.
📍 The Now Building, Centre Point, WC2H 8LH.
🚆 The nearest station is Tottenham Court Road.
Tune in to the ‘100 Years On Planet Earth’ celebration
A special birthday celebration for the acclaimed broadcaster will take over London’s Royal Albert Hall tonight.
‘David Attenborough’s 100 Years On Planet Earth’ will feature an entire evening’s worth of performances, talks, and dedications to the natural historian. Among the performers and speakers are the likes of Sigur Rós and Bastille, as well as Sir Michael Palin. The BBC Concert Orchestra will also perform the scores to many iconic moments from David Attenborough programmes
Tickets are no longer available, but you can see the order of play here. The show will be broadcast on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from 8:30pm.
Watch his most recent show
Attenborough’s age has shown no signs of stopping him from spreading his love of nature. In fact, his most recent TV programme, Wild London, came out this year, on New Year’s Day.
The show saw David exploring the wildlife and natural world of London. The city is home to a rather surprising amount of wildlife. Some of it can be found in the most unexpected places. Ranging across pigeons and parakeets, as well as squirrels and snakes (yes, really), the show saw Attenborough exploring the ways in which animals adapt to survive city life.
You can watch Wild London online or on BBC One.
Explore his career
As well as airing the birthday celebration, this evening, BBC has been presenting a special exploration of the man’s impressive career. Across live airings on the channel and their online player, they’ve been sharing a wealth of Attenborough content.
Find out more here.
Visit his waxwork
David Attenborough received a new waxwork at Madame Tussauds relatively recently, so the likeness is even more realistic. Why not head along and take a snap with the man himself… Well… The wax man himself, at least.
Google him!
Google has become pretty infamous for charming, surprising, and unexpected animations and unique Google Doodles for special occasions. And today, for David Attenborough’s birthday, they’ve amped up the cute factor.
If you Google ‘David Attenborough’ today, a charming selection of animals (some with party hats) and greenery takes over the screen. It’s accompanied by a simple message:
“Thank you Sir David”
Enjoy nature
And for the ultimate way to commemorate the occasion, we reckon Sir David Attenborough would most appreciate everyone getting in touch with nature. So head on out and explore a London park or visit the zoo. Whatever you do, just find a way to enjoy the natural world in all its splendour and beauty.
Happy Birthday to you, Sir David Attenborough, from all of us here at Secret London.