Dear David

It’s pretty astounding how one singular person can make an impact that touches so many. And Sir David Attenborough sums up that statement. Over the course of his life, he has positively influenced millions of humans through the art of storytelling — not only exposing the world to nature unseen, but inspiring the masses with his words to get them to care. Humans from all walks of life have been moved by the words of Sir David, and to show their appreciation, we had a few of those humans write some words of thanks for his work and impact. Dear David, from all of us, thank you for everything.

Dear David, 

Do you remember the Arctic foxes we did on Svalbard for the BBC’s Life of Mammals series in 2000?

A wonderful location that I knew well, and charismatic but accessible subjects. Though you and I had been involved with several series since first meeting in the Antarctic in 1981, it was my first chance to film you presenting a piece to camera. So yes I was that wee shade nervous.

On the assignment we drove out with snow machines and sledges on to the sea ice, tracking and finding the foxes. You, as always, were ready to do all you could to make the sequence work for the screen. Part of that involved you doing a piece to camera, talking about the animals. Mike suggested that we should have shots of you driving the snow machine over rough ice in your search. 

Now let’s be honest here ... your reputation as a natural history broadcaster is supreme. Your assurance with the spoken word is legendary. But you’d be the first to admit your confidence doesn’t extend to snow-machine driving … 

I wanted a dramatic, wide, low-angle shot of the machine zooming by and leaving the frame. For that I lay down on the snow and had you come past me at speed. You don’t usually need more than a couple of takes to get your delivery right, but I had to keep asking “Closer please.” To which you memorably replied “Imagine the paperwork, Doug, if I run you over.” And right then I realized — your deep concern for conservation extends also to your camera crews.

Months later you signed my copy of the series’ book, writing on the title page what must have been your most vivid memory from that shoot. 

“For Doug, who so fearlessly faced death by skidoo, with gratitude, David.”

As ever, inimitable. Thank you.

Doug Allan, Wildlife Photographer

Doug Allan

July 17, 1951 – April 8, 2026

We honor the life of Doug Allan and his contribution to conservation, storytelling, and being a pioneer of wildlife photography. We were lucky enough to work with him on this issue before his passing while trekking in Nepal. 

Dear David,

In bringing stories of wonder and awe into millions of living rooms around the world, for as long as I can remember, you have inspired generations to fall in love with the natural world. As a child, your documentaries were my portal to hidden worlds, shaping not only my understanding of the planet but also my sense of responsibility to protect it. Thank you for all that you do. Happy 100th birthday.

Leonardo DiCaprio

Dear David, 

There is a moment I return to often. I am underwater somewhere in the sea, weightless and still, my camera pressed to my eye, ready to press the shutter, and in my mind I suddenly hear your voice. It comes, not as a mantra, but as a funny narration of the wonders I am looking at. Your unmistakable voice reminds me that what I am seeing matters and that few other humans will get the same chance. That bearing witness is my love letter to you.

You showed me that long before I ever held a camera in the ocean. Growing up, your storytelling was not just television. It was a revelation, dubbed into Spanish but with the unmistakable British accent that defines you. You made the natural world come alive, full of mystery and wonder, in a way no textbook ever could. You gave creatures language, gave ecosystems consequence, and gave audiences, including a young Mexican girl who would one day dedicate her life to the ocean, a reason to care deeply.

Your work changed how I understand my own. As a visual storyteller and conservationist, I've learned from you that beauty is not separate from urgency. And you gave me permission to become a character in the story. You taught me that the image of a whale, a coral reef, a single ray of light filtering through the deep, can do what statistics never can. It can break a heart open. And a broken-open heart is where change begins.

When I was asked to contribute photographs to the book accompanying your beautiful film, Ocean, I felt the weight of that invitation in my chest. To place my images alongside a story you had given your voice and your life to felt like a homecoming.

You have spent decades making people fall in love with a world worth saving. That is the greatest form of activism I know. And you have passed that torch to so many of us who now carry it.

With so much gratitude,

Cristina Mittermeier, Photographer and Marine Biologist 

Dear David, 

Sir David Attenborough is curious about and reverent for the natural world, and all its inhabitants, and his power lies in inspiring others to feel the same way. To hear him describe a singular species or the intricacies of an ecosystem is to be reminded of the magic of our planet, and our own responsibility to protect it. 

This is, of course, a quality he shared with Dr. Jane Goodall and the foundation of their longtime bond. Together, they have championed a fast-held belief that we are, as Jane would often say, “a part of, and not apart from the natu ral world.” 

Jane greatly admired David’s work to raise awareness about the beauty and wonder of our planet, and she credited him for helping so many feel compelled to conserve it. She would want us to celebrate David by celebrating the Earth he deeply loves, and by playing our part to make it a better place for all.

From the Jane Goodall Institute USA

Dear David, 

As a child, you were a profound influence on my life. Through your heartfelt storytelling and deep understanding of the natural world, you showed us that our planet and all its inhabitants are precious, meaningful, and meant to coexist in harmony. Thank you for your grace, wisdom and compassion, and for leaving a legacy that will inspire generations to come.

Sincerely,

Orlando Bloom