David Attenborough 100th birthday: giant gorilla maze opens to celebrate wildlife legend

To mark Sir David Attenborough’s milestone 100th birthday, a sprawling Leicestershire attraction has planted a living tribute you can walk through. Wistow Maze near Market Harborough has carved a mountain gorilla into its fields of maize and sunflowers, turning agricultural rows into a seasonal piece of public art that honors the county’s most famous naturalist.

The maze blends local pride with spectacle: visitors wander amid towering stalks, climb viewing platforms and hunt for hidden clues tied to Attenborough’s wildlife work. The design is a deliberate nod to the broadcaster’s iconic encounter with mountain gorillas in the 1970s and to his longtime connection to the area around the University of Leicester.

What the giant gorilla design looks like and why it matters

The new layout recreates a mountain gorilla silhouette across fields that, when seen from above or from the maze’s observation towers, forms a striking image. The creators chose the subject as both a celebration of Sir David’s conservation legacy and a playful recognition of his Leicestershire roots.

Key facts about the installation:

• The paths trace roughly three miles of walkways through maize and sunflowers.
• An average visit takes about two hours, depending on how many detours and quiz stations you find.
• The living sculpture references Attenborough’s televised fieldwork, including his well-known gorilla footage filmed decades ago.

How the maze is created each year: technology, planting and craftsmanship

Wistow’s maze is rebuilt annually, and this year’s gorilla took meticulous planning. Organizers map the design using GPS, translating an image into a planting and cutting plan so that paths align precisely once the maize has grown tall.

Creating the effect requires months of staging: mapping the routes, sowing crops, nurturing stalks to full height and then opening the labyrinth when visibility and growth are right. At season’s end the maize is harvested and repurposed as cattle feed, making the installation part art project, part farm cycle.

Visitor experience and hidden discoveries

More than just a walk, the maze includes interactive elements aimed at families and wildlife fans. Hidden quiz boards along the routes invite people to test their knowledge of animals featured in Attenborough’s series and to learn short facts about his life and work.

• Elevated platforms and towers provide sweeping views over the composition and the surrounding countryside.
• Sunflower borders are expected to bloom as the season progresses, adding color to the paths.
• Educational quiz stops number a dozen and spotlight different species and conservation messages.

Local ties, past themes and the people behind the idea

The maze’s owner, Diana Brooks, says the project was labor-intensive: planning the gorilla took almost a year and required careful coordination to make the silhouette read correctly from above. She framed the artwork as both a celebration of a national treasure and a hometown tribute to a Leicestershire native.

Wistow Maze has a history of topical designs that draw crowds. Recent seasons have featured figures and symbols tied to national events, including:

• a steam train motif marking 200 years of the modern British railway system;
• a crown commemorating a royal jubilee;
• a javelin-thrower honoring the Olympic Games.

The attraction has earned local recognition as one of Leicestershire’s best visitor sites and routinely attracts thousands of guests each summer.

When to visit, tickets and practical details for planning a trip

Opening dates and hours:

• Open daily from July 20 through September 6.
• Also open the weekend of September 12–13.
• Typical hours run from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Admission prices (approximate):

• Children: £8.95 (about $10)
• Adults: £10.95 (about $15)
• Family ticket (two adults, two children): £37

Visitors can expect a mix of leisurely wandering and puzzle solving as they work their way through the routes. High walkways and observation towers make it easy to pause and take in the full gorilla motif as it grows into view over the season.

You might also like:

• Think you know French expressions? Test your knowledge here
• 10/10 country names — can you solve this viral geography quiz?
• Netflix gems: 6 must-watch titles for April
• Think you’re smart? This 10-question quiz could prove it
• Italy Begins Construction on Long-Awaited Bridge to Sicily: A Monumental Engineering Feat!

Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson is an experienced journalist covering U.S. and global news. With ten years on the front lines, he breaks down political and economic stories that matter. His precise writing and keen attention to detail help you grasp the real‑world impact of every event.