The acclaimed wildlife cameraman and photographer Doug Allan has died while trekking in Nepal.
Allan, 74, was principal cameraman on a number of BBC programmes including The Blue Planet, Blue Planet II, Planet Earth and Frozen Planet, and spent much of his career working alongside Sir David Attenborough.
He won eight Emmy Awards for his work and was made an OBE for services to broadcast media and environmental awareness in 2024.
Allan's management company stated that he had died immersed in nature and surrounded by friends.
In a statement, Jo Sarsby Management described him as a true pioneer of wildlife filmmaking who had captured some of the most breathtaking and intimate images of the natural world. They added: Doug leaves behind a visual legacy that few could ever match. His work brought audiences closer to the wonders of our planet, inspiring awe, understanding, and deep respect for the planet.
Born in 1951 in Dunfermline, Fife, Allan became fascinated with underwater life after watching Jacques Cousteau's documentary, The Silent World. He graduated with a degree in marine biology from the University of Stirling and worked as a research diver for the British Antarctic Survey. Over the course of his career, Allan specialized in some of the most extreme environments on the planet, contributing to documentaries that showcased nature's wonders.
His encounters in the wild were often perilous yet memorable, such as one incident where a polar bear mistook him for a seal. He later became an environmental campaigner, advocating for significant causes to protect the natural world. Allan will be remembered not only for his unmatched skill in wildlife filmmaking but also for his kindness and dedication to environmental awareness.
