David Attenborough Reflects On Gorilla Filming

Sir David Attenborough and producer John Sparks are reviewing their encounter with mountain gorillas filmed for the 1979 series Life on Earth. The series' most famous moment is estimated to have been viewed by approximately 500 million people. The reflection comes half a century after the filming of the series began. Producer John Sparks discussed a past encounter filming David Attenborough near volcanoes on the border of Rwanda and Zaire. The project focused on primate innovation, specifically the opposable thumb and precision grip. David Attenborough discussed his experience filming mountain gorillas on the volcanic flanks of Central Africa near the borders of Rwanda and Zaire. He noted his responsibility for the 12th program in a series focusing on primate innovations, such as the opposable thumb. The segment described the filming environment as being set against the backdrop of volcanoes. The filmmaker described attempting to capture a two-shot of Attenborough near a female gorilla. Two young gorillas subsequently sat on Attenborough during the process.