Inspired by the loveliest of birthday letters from King Charles to David Attenborough earlier this year, I too would like to write – in my own small way – a letter to one of the men I truly admire.
Dear David Attenborough,
When I was a child, I had an uncle who taught me all kinds of things about nature and animals. He took me to see bats at night, he showed me a fox den he had found, and he even placed a hedgehog in my lap (before putting it right back where he'd found it). We would sit and watch birds, spiders, and snakes for hours. He taught me respect for all living things and for the fascinating world of nature, which I still love with all my heart.
You, Sir, are such an "uncle" – one that perhaps not everyone is lucky enough to have in real life, though of course on a much grander scale. You showed us all the wonderful and diverse beings from all over the world. Among my finest memories are visiting gorillas with you on television and diving into the sea with virtual reality gear at the Natural History Museum in London.
Please stay in this world for as long as possible, Mr. Attenborough. The world needs you – and so do we, to make us realize what a magical planet we are so incredibly lucky to live on...!
Kindest regards
Mia
Photo: A wasp enjoying a quiet moment in a flower. Often misunderstood, these little pollinators remind us of the hidden magic in our own backyards
