Adventures of a Young Naturalist

A captivating memoir chronicling Sir David Attenborough’s early adventures beginning in 1954, when a young Attenborough was tasked with travelling the globe to find rare and elusive animals for London Zoo, filming these expeditions for the BBC’s groundbreaking series Zoo Quest. From the jungles of Guyana to the islands of Indonesia and the wilds of Paraguay, he encountered everything from giant anteaters and Komodo dragons to armadillos, alongside challenges like cannibal fish, aggressive porcupines, and wild pigs, all while navigating treacherous terrain and unpredictable weather. This book offers an intimate glimpse into the origins of a legendary career that would span decades and continents—from Life on Earth to Blue Planet II. Written with Attenborough’s signature wit and charm, it captures not only the thrill of discovery and the beauty of biodiversity but also a deep respect for the wildlife, indigenous peoples, and fragile environments he encountered. A timeless story of adventure and passion that continues to inspire a love for the natural world today.

Paperback 19.5 x 12.5cm
398 pages
Includes a selection of black-and-white and colour photographs
Sustainably sourced paper