Fast facts about David Attenborough: age, net assets and all animals named after him

Sir David Attenborough is a well -known name and a global icon on the radio in natural history. When he approaches his 99th birthday on May 8, 2025, his impact on the awareness of the environment, education and nature conservation for wild animals remains incomparable.

Attenborough's voice has given many award -winning wildlife shows that continue to reflect in classrooms and television worldwide. He is known for his compassionate and friendly approach for the planet. And with almost a decade on earth, the naturalist reflects on his journey. Here is a closer look at his life, his wealth and the many creatures that have its name in tribute.

Almost a century of miracles

Sir David was born in Isleworth, West London in 1926 and grew up in Leicester. Already at a young age he showed a fascination for fossils and the natural world – interests that would affect a career over 70 years. After studying natural sciences in Cambridge and serving in the Royal Navy, he joined the BBC in 1952 and soon became a key figure in natural programming. From then on there was no review of Sir David.

Over the decades, Sir David Landmark series such as Life on Earth, The Blue Planet and Planet Earth wrote, tells and presented and brought the miracles of the animal world to houses around the world.

Sir David, who is now 98, recently thought about his mortality in the upcoming documentary Ocean with David Attenborough. He admitted an open language talk: “When I approach the end of my life, we know that the most important place on earth is not on land, but at sea.”

Net wing and career results

During most of his life, Sir David was a public personality, but he has remained relatively modest compared to today's media personalities. From 2025, reports indicate that his estimated net assets are around 15 million US dollars (£ 12 million).

According to reports, Attenborough's early broadcasting career began behind the scenes, and due to his teeth, he was almost refused to be in front of the camera. However, a substitution at the last minute for a sick moderator changed everything, and his characteristic style-measured, clear and full of amazement-the public affection.

Although the BBC has been its home base for decades, Attenborough has recently worked with streaming platforms such as Netflix and Disney+to expand its audience and its attraction, especially among younger spectators. Famous personalities such as Billie Eilish, David Beckham and Greta Thunberg have a deep admiration for him and his work. In 2020 he worked with Prince Williams to create the Earthshot Prize, which gives five recipients every year for their contributions to environmental protection.

A legacy etched in nature

Sir David not only inspired generations with his work, but also created a legacy in nature, through which he will always be remembered for his contribution. Now over 50 plants, animals and even fossils According to report His name – proof of its global influence on science and nature conservation.

It is a privilege to have a new species name reserved for its discovery, and for generations of scientists inspired by Attenborough, it is a way to honor his lifelong commitment to the planet. In his own words: “A way that is named after them is very nice. But having named a genus after you? This is really something. 'Here are the names of some species that are named after Sir David.

Nepenthes Attenboroughii or Attenboroughs Pitcher work is a huge carnivorous plant that occurs on the Philippines and can digest rodents. The new species was named after him on the occasion of his 80th birthday. Polioptila Attenboroughi, the Inambari Gnatcatcher, a rare bird from Brazil, was dedicated to honor in 2013.

In 2017, a colorful Tasmanian semi-Slug, which can only be found at a handful of rainforest locations, was named after him as Attenborougharion Rubicundus. In the same year, Attenborough (in Latin American pristimantis Attenboroughi) was discovered in the Peruvian Andes of the rubber frog and honors his work in amphibian protection.

Malmidea Attenboroughii, a Bolivian lichen, and Nothbranchius Attenboroughi, a short -lived but lively killifish from Tanzania, also bear his name. Even prehistoric animals were named in tribute – Attenborosaurus, a sea reptile from the Jura period, is one of his personal favorites.

The British fauna is also not left out. Hieracium Attenboroughianum, a rare Hawkweed on a Welsh mountain, and Acisoma Attenboroughi, a striking dragonfly from Madagascar, show the geographical spread of the species connected to it.

Although he spoke openly about the end of his life, Sir David Attenborough shows no signs of slowing down when it comes to saving the planet. His most recent work draws attention to the climate crisis and the urgent need to protect our oceans.