Renowned zoologist and Zoo Time TV star Desmond Morris dies aged 98

Desmond Morris, who hosted the beloved TV show Zoo Time, has died at 98 years old (Picture: Rob Judges/Shutterstock)

Television icon, author, and natural history expert Desmond Morris has died at the age of 98.

He was perhaps best known for his book The Naked Ape and the television programme Zoo Time, which he hosted from 1956 to 1967.

He scripted and hosted 500 programs for the pioneering show, as well as 100 episodes of the show Life in the Animal World for the BBC.

Zoo Time was an institution in the 50s and 60s, creating several famous, much-discussed moments, such as when Morris was toppled by a giant tortoise or urinated on by a lion.

At another point, a lethal cobra escaped live on-air.

The icon died in Ireland this week, where he had lived since the passing of his wife, Ramona, in...