David Attenborough, the legendary British naturalist and broadcaster, is turning 98 on May 8, but retirement is not on the horizon for him. His longtime collaborator, Mike Gunton, the Creative Director of the Natural History Unit at the BBC, shared insights into their working relationship and Attenborough’s enduring impact on nature documentaries.
Gunton expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to work with Attenborough on acclaimed programs like “Planet Earth” and “Life”, emphasizing the importance of Attenborough’s presence in bringing these shows to life for millions of viewers worldwide.
Describing Attenborough as a fun and humorous companion on location shoots, Gunton highlighted the naturalist’s unique ability to share stories and experiences that captivate audiences and shed light on the vulnerability of the natural world.
At the heart of Attenborough’s work is a deep curiosity about nature and a profound concern for its future. Gunton praised Attenborough’s role as a powerful advocate for conservation, noting that his firsthand experiences witnessing environmental changes make his message undeniable.
Reflecting on Attenborough’s legacy, Gunton noted that the broadcaster’s body of work spans the entire natural world, engaging audiences with stories that are both beautiful and sobering. He emphasized Attenborough’s unparalleled storytelling skills, suggesting that his ability to connect with viewers is unmatched.
As for retirement, Attenborough’s response speaks volumes about his passion and dedication to his work. When asked about retiring, Attenborough simply replied, “Retirement, retirement? I don’t even know the word”. It seems that for this iconic naturalist, there are still many more stories to tell and lessons to share with the world.