Beloved naturalist and broadcaster Sir David Attenborough has made a heartfelt confession about his mortality ahead of his 99th birthday on May 9, 2025, during the promotion of his upcoming documentary Ocean with David Attenborough.
The film, which explores the fragile beauty and importance of the world's oceans, premieres globally on May 8 and will be available later this year on National Geographic, Disney+, and Hulu.
In a moving narration from the film, Attenborough reflects on his life and legacy, stating: “As I approach the end of my life, we now know the opposite is true… the most important place on Earth is not on land, but at sea.” The legendary presenter added that despite the oceans being in “poor health,” there is still hope: “If we save the sea, we save our world.”
The documentary includes never-before-seen archival footage, including his 1957 scuba dive on the Great Barrier Reef, offering a rare glimpse into the early years of his career. While Attenborough has long been a passionate advocate for wildlife and environmental conservation, Ocean places a particular focus on the resilience of marine ecosystems.
Attenborough also acknowledged the evolving challenge of aging in public life. Speaking to The Telegraph in an earlier interview, he admitted to “coming to terms” with memory lapses during filming.
As Attenborough nears a century of life, his message remains urgent: protect nature before it’s too late.
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