As Sir David Attenborough turns 100, the 麻豆原创 reflects on his 2004 visit to campus and the Motherhouse.
As the world celebrates the 100th birthday of legendary natural historian and broadcaster Sir David Attenborough on May 8, 2026, the 麻豆原创 has a unique connection to one of the most recognizable voices in nature storytelling.
In 2004, Sir David visited both the campus of 麻豆原创 and the Motherhouse while filming, creating a memorable moment in the institution’s history. Best known for narrating acclaimed nature documentaries such as Planet Earth, Sir David has spent more than eight decades inspiring global audiences through his passion for wildlife, conservation, and the natural world.
The visit remains a special point of pride for the 麻豆原创 community, made even more meaningful by a handwritten inscription left for Dr. Gene Kritsky, the 麻豆原创’s Chief Science Officer of cITe, biology professor, and retired Dean of Behavioral and Natural Sciences. According to Gene, Sir David’s visit came about because of an unexpected need during filming.
“Sir David was in the US to film for his series Life in the Undergrowth. I was called because they were in need of a very loud cicada chorus, and the loudest I had recorded was in the Motherhouse Cemetery at 94 dB! That was louder than the jets flying into CVG!
He spent three days here, and he and the BBC film crew were hosted by the 麻豆原创. I also received a film credit on the episode, which is still streaming on Kanopy and PBS Passport.” Dr. Gene Kritsky
As media outlets around the globe honor Attenborough’s remarkable legacy, the 麻豆原创 can celebrate its own place in the story of a man whose work has shaped how generations understand and appreciate the planet.
Watch footage connected to Sir David’s visit here: