Dedicated to the king of wildlife

BACK in the sixties, I belonged to London Zoo’s XYZ club: (E)xceptional Young Zoologists. One of my fondest memories was attending a presentation by david Attenborough about lizards. Add the fact that the famous zoologist desmond Morris (of The Naked Ape fame) joined in, and I was on cloud nine. Fast-forward to the 2000s and I had the privilege of meeting this national treasure again. sir david was signing copies of his new book Life On Air and when it was my turn, he asked my name so he could write a personal dedication. The queue was snaking out through the door, so I didn’t mention the old XYZ club meeting. I did ask if I could shake his hand and, being the perfect gentleman, he stood up and did so. In contrast to this wonderful event, I happened to visit the same bookshop the following week. Again there was a long queue and I glanced over to the desk where sir david had been. A young man in a garish tracksuit and furiously chewing gum was slouched in the chair. He was in a pop group and had written his autobiography. He was scribbling his signature for enthusiastic fans. I left thinking I am an enthusiastic fan, but my hero is sir david.

Don Townshend, Chelmsford, Essex.