Sir David Attenborough was left “appalled” after inadvertently killing a caiman during filming for a television series nearly 70 years ago, wildlife presenter Liz Bonnin has revealed.
The veteran broadcaster, who celebrates his 100th birthday next month, recounted the incident to Bonnin, explaining it occurred while he was travelling through Guyana in South America in the mid-1950s for his BBC series Zoo Quest.
Bonnin told the Radio Times that Sir David was handed a gun by a cattle rancher and invited to shoot a caiman, a type of South American alligator, as it rested in a swamp. He admitted he “foolishly, no innocently pulled the trigger.”
Recalling the moment, Sir David told her: “There was an explosion and the caiman arched into the air with a huge splash and the entire scene was destroyed. I sat there appalled. It was the first and last time I shot anything.”
Bonnin reflected that “for it to have stayed with him says a lot about who he is.” She also anticipates that Sir David will not wish for a fuss to be made about his upcoming centenary on 8 May, adding: “He will not be comfortable with all the love and the gushing because he is just so modest.”
The Radio Times features Sir David on its front cover as part of a special edition marking his milestone birthday. Other prominent wildlife presenters, including Steve Backshall and Chris Packham, have also shared their memories of working with the celebrated conservationist within the magazine.
It comes as the BBC announce that broadcasters including Sir Michael Palin, Steve Backshall and Chris Packham are to come together for a special live event to celebrate Sir David Attenborough’s 100th birthday.
Hosted by Kirsty Young, the evening will be broadcast from London’s Royal Albert Hall and include performances from musicians who have featured on his BBC Planet Earth TV series.
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Dan Smith, frontman of Brit Award‑winning act Bastille, will join the BBC Concert Orchestra to perform their track Pompeii, which was featured in Planet Earth III, while Icelandic band Sigur Ros will play Hoppipolla, which was used in the promotion of Planet Earth and Planet Earth II.
The event will combine some of the most memorable wildlife moments from the BBC’s natural history archive, while those who have worked with Sir David – including Backshall, Packham, and Sir Michael – will reflect on his impact and legacy.