LONDON — David Attenborough said he had been “completely overwhelmed” by birthday greetings as he turned 100 on Friday in a worldwide outpouring of affection for the British wildlife broadcaster after decades of trailblazing work.

After more than 70 years of filmmaking, Attenborough’s instantly recognizable voice is synonymous with the story of nature. He is still at the vanguard of efforts to protect the environment and has produced some of his most influential work in recent years.

In Britain, Attenborough’s centenary is being marked with a week of special broadcasts on the BBC, a live concert at the Royal Albert Hall, events at museums, nature walks and tree planting.

“I had rather thought that I would celebrate my 100th birthday quietly, but it seems that many of you have had other ideas,” he said in an audio message released by the BBC.

“I’ve been completely overwhelmed by birthday greetings from preschool groups to care home residents and countless individuals and families of all ages.”

He thanked all those who had sent messages and wished anyone planning an event to mark the milestone “a very happy day.”

Counting Britain’s royal family, former US President Barack Obama and pop star Billie Eilish among his admirers, Attenborough’s charisma, humor and warmth, alongside the depth of his knowledge and flair for storytelling, have made him a broadcasting superstar.

“Your ability to communicate the beauty and vulnerability of our natural environment remains unequalled,” was how the late Queen Elizabeth summed up his achievements in 2019.

‘Lonesome George’ and the fragile environment

Attenborough’s films have communicated the wonder and also the tragedies of the natural world to viewers across the globe.

Standout scenes include his encounter with two playful young mountain gorillas who clambered onto him during his landmark 1979 series “Life on Earth.”

He also made his audience marvel at the teamwork of a pod of orcas hunting a seal by creating waves to break up........

© The Times of Israel