1: Our presentation is about Sir David Attenborough –
from his influence on the planet, to his influence in our
lives, we have compiled a list of reasons that make him a
national treasure but also why he would be an awesome
grandpa - in our eyes.
2: Since growing up on the campus of University College
Leicester, he went on to collect 32 honorary degrees.
Listing all of them would be longer than 20 seconds.
Despite this, his first job was in the royal navy – where he
travelled the world for 2 years, igniting his passion.
3: After being turned down by the BBC for having ‘big
teeth’ he carried on producing documentaries, being
credited in over 110 different ones. This includes ‘life of
birds’ for which he travelled 256 thousand miles alone.
4: With ‘Life on Earth’ reaching over 500 million people
worldwide, Attenborough was able to share his passion
and introduce many to a world they wouldn’t have
otherwise seen. It could even be said that his work
inspired other naturists such as Steve Irwin, Steve
Backshall and Bear Grylls.
5: Alongside Blue Planet 2s acknowledgement of plastic
pollution and Attenborough’s close connections, he has
had a large influence on planet saving schemes. For
example, in 2015 he met with Obama to discuss climate
change.
6: His knighthood in 1985 and production of ‘The Queen’s
Green Planet’ earlier this year reflect on his close
friendship with the Queen. He also formed more
friendships from his decision to air Monty Python’s Flying
Circus when he worked as the head of televising in 1969.
7. Despite his many celebrity connections, he has always
found time to dedicate to his loved ones. A family man
who has encouraged many people to pursue their dreams
– including his son who works as a bioanthropology
lecturer.
8: From encountering a cannibalistic tribe in Papua New
Guinea to playing with a group of baby gorillas to wearing
only a loincloth whilst filming, he really has seen and done
it all. He has shared a few stories everytime hes been on
the Graham Norton Show.
9: In his early years he didn’t mind getting up close and
personal to dangerous animals, but even in 2007 – at the
age of 80 – he came face to face with a spitting cobra,
taunting it to show its deadly capabilities.
10: He has committed himself to showing us the unknown
– diving 1000ft in the great barrier reef to depths nobody
had seen before. He has also claimed to be fascinated by
every single animal that he has encountered – only
disliking rats.
11: Over the years he has had a range of different pets
including gibbons, chimpanzees, snakes, hummingbirds,
lemurs and bush babies or little night monkeys as they are
also called.
12: His numerous pets reminded us of Uncle Monty from A
Series of Unfortunate Events – with a wonderful house full
of exotic animals. Furthermore, they are both naturalists
with intriguing lives and caring and loving dispositions.
13: Planet Earth was first on our screens in 2006 and came
back with a second series in 2016. Sir David narrated both
series which was watched by millions. He has helped get a
message across that it is our responsibility to save the
planet for us and all creatures living on it.
14: Like Planet Earth he narrated both series of the Blue
Planet. He gave an insight to a part of the planet that 80%
is still yet to be explored. They were finding new species
whilst they were filming giving us an exclusive look when it
came on the television.
15: Dynasties is the most recent thing to have come out.
Has anyone else been watching it, enjoyed it? This series
has been tense at times with David helping to build that
tension with his narration. It has been showing what many
animals have to go through to survive now a days.
16: With one of the world's most recognisable voices –
putting him amongst the likes of Morgan Freeman and
Michael Caine - his narrative style appeals to all,
captivating all and making the audience as interested in
the subject as he is.
17: From a young age each of us have watched his
documentaries with our families – and still enjoy them to
this day. Broadcasted on the BBC, shown at prime time,
it’s like he’s sat there with us, like he’s part of the family.
Attenborough’s unique approach makes his work both
educational and exciting – appealing to every generation.
18: For many years he has been giving us a greater
appreciation for wildlife, opening all of our minds to new
possibilities and ways of caring for our planet. He has even
had over 10 plants/animals and a research vessel named
after him during his lifetime. He’s opened his arms to the
world.
19: Speaking of arms, we believe he would be a great
hugger. He’s tall and soft like a teddy bear – reminding us
of beloved characters such as Hagrid and Santa. Plus, he’s
worked with monkeys and sloths – so knows how to give
the best hugs.
20: The things that we have discussed today lead us to
believe that Sir David Attenborough would be the BEST
grandpa – possessing all the essential qualities and armed
with anecdotes, fun and love. He is the grandad that we
dream of adopting.