Desmond Morris, the renowned zoologist, author, artist, and television presenter, has passed away at the age of 98. He was best known for his influential 1967 book, The Naked Ape, which explored human behavior through a zoological lens.
Career Highlights
Morris’s work in The Naked Ape framed modern humans as fundamentally ape-like, despite advancements in technology and culture. The book gained immense popularity during the sexual revolution of the 1960s and sold over 20 million copies. It applied Darwinian principles to various aspects of human life, including mating, feeding, and social interactions.
Born on January 24, 1928, in Purton, near Swindon, Morris developed an early interest in animal behavior, influenced by his childhood experiences. He studied zoology at Birmingham University, where he focused on ethology, the objective study of animal behavior, rather than conducting experiments on animals.
In addition to his writing, Morris was a talented surrealist painter and exhibited his work alongside notable artists such as Joan Miró. He also gained recognition as a broadcaster, creating natural history programs that complemented the work of David Attenborough.
Influence and Legacy
Morris’s contributions extended beyond his books. He attempted to breed pandas in captivity and explored the artistic capabilities of animals, famously giving a paintbrush to a chimpanzee named Congo. His work suggested that artistic expression was not solely a human trait.
Throughout his career, Morris wrote several other notable works, including The Human Zoo and Intimate Behaviour, and continued to explore human behavior and social rituals. He also ventured into light entertainment with programs like The Animal Roadshow and Animal Country.
His insights into human behavior, particularly regarding sexuality and social interactions, sparked discussions and debates, with some critics challenging his views on gender roles and the biological basis of behavior.
Morris’s son, Jason, confirmed his father’s passing on April 20, describing him as “a great man and an even better father and grandfather,” who lived a life filled with exploration and creativity.
Source: Original report