David Attenborough still ‘appalled’ he shot an animal 70 years ago

WorldEntertainment
28 Apr 2026 • 5:06 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

David Attenborough still ‘appalled’ he shot an animal 70 years ago

  • Sir David Attenborough was left "appalled" after inadvertently killing a caiman 70 years ago during filming for his BBC series Zoo Quest in Guyana.
  • Wildlife presenter Liz Bonnin revealed the incident, noting Sir David's regret after he "foolishly, no innocently pulled the trigger" on the South American alligator.
  • Sir David is due to celebrate his 100th birthday on 8 May, with Bonnin anticipating he will not wish for a fuss due to his modesty.
  • The BBC will host a special live event at London’s Royal Albert Hall to mark his centenary, featuring broadcasters including Sir Michael Palin, Steve Backshall, and Chris Packham.
  • The celebration will include performances from musicians like Bastille and Sigur Ros, whose music has featured in his Planet Earth series, reflecting on his impact and legacy.

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