Sunday morning joggers, dogs, children, and passersby were shocked to find a giant hedgehog on London’s Clapham Common on February 16. The sculpture, standing at 7-ft-tall and measuring 12-ft-long and 18-ft-wide, was created to mark the launch of Natural Curiosities, a new nature documentary series by legendary wildlife presenter Sir David Attenborough. It took a team of sculptors two months to craft the prickly creature from over 2,000 soft wood spikes and fur made of a coconut and fiber mix. The result is a remarkably lifelike replication of the hedgehog, from its realistic skin tone and prickly build to the inquisitive look on its furry face.
In addition to celebrating the launch of his new series, Sir David hopes that the giant hedgehog “serves as a fitting tribute to one of our most delightful species” and brings attention to the dwindling number of wild hedgehogs, which are endangered in the UK.
