Desmond, who was born in Swindon and rose to fame in 1967 when his book The Naked Ape became an international bestseller, died in April aged 98.
During his career, he hosted the popular show Zoo Time, which ran on ITV Granada for over a decade, and Life In The Animal World and other shows for the BBC.
Since his death, quotes from what would turn out to be Desmond’s last interview have resurfaced.
Speaking to the Sunday Times, he revealed that the company of his pets, including a chihuahua and a Yorkshire terrier, was vital for him during his final years.
Desmond said: “When we’re very old the company of a pet can stop you focusing on your infirmities and draw your attention to another living being.
“’It’s better than pills,’ someone once said.
“I made a TV programme about people who took pet animals into care homes, where the terminally ill were so excited.”
Swindon-born Desmond Morris (Image: PA)
Desmond told the Sunday Times that responsibility for caring for these pets was divided between himself and his late wife Ramona.
He added: “She was always in charge of our dogs and I was in charge of our cats. Although biased in the feline direction, I also love dogs and have written about both.”
Desmond reflected on the difficulties of caring for pets as people grow older, but added that he had his family around him to help.
He said: “At 98, and barely able to walk, I don’t feel I’m fit to be a pet owner any longer, with all the care, feeding and treatment needed.
“I live next door to my family in Ireland and we have two rescue dogs: a chihuahua called Penny and a Yorkshire terrier called Benji who loves jumping up to watch television with me.
“Penny watches me eat dinner in case scraps fall.”
After Desmond’s death, tributes from across Swindon and further afield poured in for him and many took the opportunity to remember his extraordinary life.
Desmond’s son Jason told the Press Association: “His was a lifetime of exploration, curiosity and creativity.
“A zoologist, manwatcher, author and artist, he was still writing and painting right up until his death.
“He was a great man and an even better father and grandfather.”