Desmond Morris

Date of Birth: January 24, 1928

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: N/A (as of the knowledge cutoff in 2023, Desmond Morris is still alive)

Biography

Desmond John Morris is a renowned British zoologist, ethologist, and author, best known for his work in the field of human and animal behavior. Born on January 24, 1928, in Purton, Wiltshire, England, Morris has made significant contributions to the understanding of human and animal behavior through his extensive research and numerous publications. Morris’s interest in natural history began at an early age, and he pursued this passion by studying zoology at the University of Birmingham, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree. He later obtained a Doctorate of Philosophy from the University of Oxford, where he focused on animal behavior. In the 1950s, Morris gained prominence with his pioneering work on animal behavior, particularly through his research on the reproductive behavior of birds and fish. He worked at the Zoological Society of London and became the curator of mammals at the London Zoo. During this time, he also produced and hosted television programs that aimed to educate the public about animal behavior. Morris’s most famous work, “The Naked Ape,” was published in 1967. The book offered a groundbreaking perspective on human behavior by comparing it to that of other primates, and it became an international bestseller, translated into numerous languages. The success of “The Naked Ape” established Morris as a leading figure in the field of popular science writing. Throughout his career, Morris has authored over 40 books, covering a wide range of topics from human behavior to art and culture. His work has been highly influential, bridging the gap between scientific research and popular understanding.

5 Interesting Facts about Desmond Morris

1. Desmond Morris served as the curator of mammals at the London Zoo from 1959 to 1967.

2. His book “The Naked Ape” has been translated into over 20 languages and has sold millions of copies worldwide.

3. Morris has also had a notable career as an artist, with his paintings exhibited in galleries around the world.

4. He was a regular presenter on the television series “Zoo Time,” which aired in the 1950s and 1960s.

5. Morris’s research has not been limited to primates; he has studied a diverse range of animals, including birds, fish, and insects.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Desmond Morris

1. “The city is not a concrete jungle, it is a human zoo.”

2. “Biologically speaking, if something bites you it is more likely to be female.”

3. “Artists like cats; soldiers like dogs.”

4. “Man is the only species to suffer psychological exile.”

5. “We are, perhaps, uniquely among the earth’s creatures, the worrying animal. We worry away our lives, fearing the future, discontent with the present, unable to take in the idea of dying, unable to sit still.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Desmond Morris’s highest net worth is estimated to be around $5 million, primarily accumulated through his successful career as an author, television presenter, and artist.