Zoologist and author Desmond Morris passes away at 98

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Desmond Morris was a widely known British zoologist, author, surrealist painter, and television presenter whose work brought animal behavior and human evolutionary biology to a broad popular audience. According to the news report, he has died at the age of 98. Morris became internationally famous for his 1967 book “The Naked Ape,” which explored human behavior from a zoological perspective and became a global bestseller, though it also sparked debate among scientists and the general public for its unconventional approach. Throughout his career, he combined scientific research with accessible writing and media appearances, helping bridge the gap between academic zoology and mainstream culture.

In addition to his writing, Morris worked in television, most notably hosting programs that explored animal behavior and human instincts in an engaging, educational format. His ability to communicate complex scientific ideas in simple terms made him a recognizable public intellectual beyond acade