Desmond Morris, author of The Naked Ape, dies at 98
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- Desmond Morris died at age 98, as reported on Sunday.
- Jason Morris paid tribute, describing his father's lifetime of exploration, curiosity, creativity, and his role as a father and grandfather.
- The Naked Ape became an international bestseller in 1967, catapulting Morris to prominence.
- Zoo Time aired on ITV Granada from 1956 to 1967, with Morris as its face, exploring animal behaviour.
- BBC began broadcasting Morris's programmes in 1965, including Life in the Animal World and later documentaries such as Manwatching and The Human Animal.
- The Secret Surrealist (BBC 2017) showcased Morris's surrealist paintings and his double life as a painter, and he later noted a 1948 painting sold for over £50,000.
Why it matters: His death ends a 70‑year career that shaped public understanding of human and animal behaviour, while his family and admirers lose a creative mentor; museums and broadcasters also lose a unique voice that bridged science and art. His extensive catalogue of over 90 titles and surrealist paintings also leaves a gap in both academic literature and the art world.
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