Desmond Morris died aged 98 on April 19, 2026. He was a renowned zoologist, writer, and broadcaster.
Morris authored over 50 books during his remarkable 60-year career. His most famous work, The Naked Ape, sold an estimated 18 million copies worldwide.
Born on January 24, 1928, in Purton, Wiltshire, he completed his doctorate in animal behaviour at Oxford University. He served as curator of mammals at London Zoo from 1959 to 1967.
His television program, Zoo Time, aired for 11 years starting in 1956. In total, he produced around 500 episodes that captivated audiences.
Morris’s first book was published in 1958 and focused on the ten-spined stickleback. He made a significant contribution to science by identifying over 4,200 species of warm-blooded mammals by 1965.
In a statement, his son Jason Morris said, “His was a lifetime of exploration, curiosity and creativity.” This reflects the essence of Morris’s life and work.
He maintained a lifelong friendship with fellow naturalist David Attenborough. Notably, he had a solo exhibition at Farleys House & Gallery in 2019.
Morris once remarked about his creative process: “I tried to create a private world in which my own, invented organisms evolved…” His unique perspective blended art with science.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any upcoming tributes or memorials planned for him. Observers expect that his legacy will continue to inspire future generations in both zoology and literature.
