When Sir David Attenborough turned 100 earlier this year, people around the world celebrated the legendary naturalist in many ways. But one tribute stands out for its creativity: a massive maze shaped like a mountain gorilla, right in the English countryside where Attenborough himself grew up.
Wistow Maze in Leicestershire, England, unveiled its three-mile labyrinth to honor the broadcaster who was born just miles away. The maze is so big it takes about two hours to walk through all its winding paths. The design features a towering mountain gorilla, referencing Attenborough's famous 1978 televised encounter with these gentle giants in Rwanda — a moment that helped inspire global conservation efforts.
"He is certainly one of Britain's national treasures, but it also ties-in nicely to him coming from Leicestershire, too," said Diana Brooks, who owns the maze.
Brooks spent almost a full year using GPS technology to map out the gorilla design before planting season. Each summer, the maze's paths are marked out using satellites, allowing the team to create intricate designs that visitors can wander through. This year, the walls of maize and sunflowers grow tall enough to create a real sense of adventure and discovery.
Kids and families visiting the maze can hunt for 12 quiz boards hidden among the pathways. Each board features animals from Attenborough's famous nature documentaries, along with fun facts about the broadcaster himself. High-level bridges and towers give visitors bird's-eye views over the sea of green — and eventually, bright sunflowers — below.
The maze has become a beloved local tradition. It has previously featured designs like a steam train for the 200th anniversary of Britain's railway system, a crown for the Queen's Jubilee, and a javelin thrower for the Olympics. But this year's gorilla design feels special — a personal tribute to one of Leicestershire's most famous sons.
Wistow Maze has won Leicestershire's "Best Visitor Attraction" award and draws thousands of visitors each summer. After the season ends in September, the maize gets harvested and used as animal feed. Then the planning begins again for next year's design.
The maze opens daily from July 20 through September 6, plus the weekend of September 12–13. Tickets cost £8.95 for children and £10.95 for adults (about $10 and $15). A family ticket for two adults and two children is £37. It's a price that seems small for a few hours of outdoor adventure and a celebration of the man who taught millions to love the natural world.