Malta’s Own Desmond Morris Dies at 98
In a quiet corner of Rabat, Malta, a young Desmond Morris once wandered the ancient streets, his curiosity piqued by the island’s unique wildlife. Little did he know, these early explorations would set the stage for a remarkable career that would span over seven decades and make him a global authority on animal behaviour.
Sadly, Desmond Morris, the renowned zoologist, author, and painter, passed away on May 10, 2023, at the age of 98. His death leaves a void in the scientific community and the hearts of his many admirers, including those in his beloved Malta.
From Malta to Oxford: A Journey of Discovery
Born in Purfleet, Essex, in 1928, Morris spent his formative years in Malta, where his father was stationed as a naval officer. It was here that Morris’s love affair with the natural world began. He would spend hours observing the local wildlife, from the ubiquitous rock lizards to the migrating birds that stopped over in Malta’s skies.
After returning to the UK, Morris studied zoology at Oxford University, where he earned his PhD in 1954. He then embarked on a career that would see him make significant contributions to our understanding of animal behaviour, particularly that of primates.
Bridging the Gap Between Species
Morris’s most influential work, “The Naked Ape” (1967), challenged conventional wisdom about human behaviour by comparing it to that of other primates. The book was a sensation, selling millions of copies worldwide and sparking a new way of thinking about human nature.
Morris’s Malta roots were never far from his mind. In “The Naked Ape”, he wrote about the island’s unique culture and how it reflected the behaviour of its inhabitants. He also painted many Maltese scenes, his vibrant artworks capturing the island’s beauty and character.
A Legacy in Art and Science
Morris’s contributions to science were matched by his artistic prowess. He was a prolific painter, his work featuring in numerous exhibitions worldwide. His art was as much a reflection of his scientific curiosity as it was a celebration of the natural world.
In Malta, Morris’s legacy lives on. His work continues to inspire local artists and scientists alike. His former home in Rabat, now a private residence, still stands as a testament to his time on the island.
As we bid farewell to Desmond Morris, we remember him not just as a zoologist and author, but as a man who was deeply influenced by his Maltese roots. His life’s work serves as a reminder that understanding the natural world is not just a scientific pursuit, but a human one.
In the words of Morris himself, “We are, after all, a part of nature, not separate from it.”
