Dynasties director opens up about THAT heartbreaking penguin moment

It really was a tear-jerker

Author: Emma DoddsPublished 20th Nov 2018
Last updated 20th Nov 2018

David Attenborough has definitely captured the hearts of several generations. Something about his soothing voice and passion for the welfare of animals has inspired thousands of people around the UK to become more aware of the environment - especially with his newest show, Dynasties.

Sunday's episode (18th Nov) saw David's team follow a group of Emperor penguins through a year in their lives, giving us a glimpse into the perilous journey they have to go to just to reach adulthood.

However, there was one particularly crushing moment that showed how a group of mum penguins and their babies had fallen down into a crevice. As penguins hold their babies in a pouch between their feet, many mothers were unable to get themselves back to safety whilst holding their babies.

In one of the most heartbreaking bits of television in years, many mothers had to sacrifice their babies to save themselves, leaving them in the crevice to die so that they could live. One baby penguin even made it halfway up the hill by itself to reach its mum - but devastatingly fell back down.

Thankfully, one of the penguin mothers was determined to save herself and her baby, and after a tense few minutes was able to pull herself and her baby to safety, incredibly using her flippers and beak for support.

As hard as it was for viewers to witness, it must have been 100 times harder for the camera crews as David has one rule - not to interfere with nature.

Many of them were shown in behind the scenes footage after the show tearing up over the tragedy, leading them to break David's rule and dig some paths for the penguins after they finished filming, helping them to reach the safety of the group.

Swipe through to see the most shocking moments from Dynasties 2018


Dynasties director opens up about THAT heartbreaking penguin moment
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Now, director Will Lawson has opened up about what pushed the group to break the rule, revealing that David himself agreed with their actions.

Speaking on Lorraine this morning, Will said, "It was not a straight forward decision by any stretch. You have to look at the facts in front of you before you make a decision like that.

"But, in my heart of hearts, I’m sure we made the right decision," before adding that David agreed. "It’s great to get that support – David was aware of it around six months ago when we were putting the film together."

He continued, "They have no predators down there, but in some respects their environment is their predator – it’s about their cooperation, that’s the only way they can survive down there. To see that first hand was very humbling."

Michael Gunton, executive producer of the show, spoke on David's behalf, telling the BBC, "He thought we did the right thing. He actually said, 'Somebody’s going to ask me if I would have done it, and he said, 'Yes I would'."

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