You have full access to this article via your institution. It is one of the most memorable moments in natural-history film-making: two young mountain gorillas playing with the broadcaster David Attenborough in Rwanda, later joined by the gorillas’ watchful mother. Attenborough is in his element, quietly demolishing a widely held perception — bolstered over decades by films such as King Kong — that these shy and peaceful creatures pose a violent threat to humans. The clip, filmed in 1978 for the landmark BBC series Life on Earth: A Natural History , demonstrates what has become Attenborough’s trademark over his 70-year career: the communication of new, surprising and complex phenomena by showing rather than telling. There’s no lecture here — just curiosity, mischief and arresting visual impact. Attenborough turns 100 on 8 May. Here, Nature salutes him and celebrates his unparalleled impact as a science communicator who has brought nature closer to many millions of people.…