Born Free is honoured to wish the beloved broadcaster and natural historian the happiest of birthdays, and attended a special event to celebrate Sir David in Leicester.
Will Travers OBE, Dame Virginia McKenna, Sir David Attenborough, and Ian Redmond OBE at a Hope 4 Apes event in 2013
Today, our hero Sir David Attenborough is celebrating 100 years on Planet Earth. This most special of birthdays is a remarkable milestone – what a wonderful opportunity to thank Sir David for all he has done, over more than 70 years, to show TV audiences the wonders of the wild. Sir David has encouraged millions of people around the world to be fascinated by the natural world, and care about wild animals.
To help mark the occasion, enjoy a short heartfelt filmed tribute to Sir David, on behalf of Born Free, from his long-time friend, Ian Redmond OBE. Born Free’s Policy Advisor, it was Ian who first introduced Sir David to mountain gorillas, in the world-famous BBC footage.
Leo at the event (c) Richard Hillgrove
On Thursday 7 May, a Children’s Parliament event to mark Sir David’s 100th birthday was held at Wyggeston School in Leicester, where he was a former pupil. Ian Redmond attended the event, together with Born Free Youth Ambassador Leo Sordello-Savale, and Nia Datta, aged 8, who is Child Foreign Secretary.
“I’m so honoured to be here today,” said Leo. “Five years ago, during lockdown, I missed nature so much. When I think about this time, one voice comes into my head: David Attenborough. His documentaries helped me escape and dream about wildlife and the natural world.
“So today, as we celebrate Sir David Attenborough’s birthday, I just wanted to say thank you for showing us the beauty of our planet and for reminding us that now more than ever is the time to protect it.”
See a selection of images from the event below.
