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
2 of 6
Coming up: Tigers
The BBC website says, 'A tigress, Raj Bhera, has 4 new cubs. She must protect them while battling rivals who want to steal her lands and overthrow her. Will she hold on and raise her cubs to adulthood?'
Swipe through to see the most shocking moments from Dynasties 2018
David the chimp was challenged for his leadership
David the chimp was the alpha for his community, but was viciously attacked by another chimp and left for dead. Thankfully, he survived - but only because a group of female chimps came to his aid and tended his wounds.
The mother Emperor penguin trying to save herself and her baby
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.
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.
Coming up: Lions
We'll get a glimpse into the life of a pack of lions on Sunday 25th November, on BBC One at 8pm. This picture shows Red - one of the pride's adolescent males - fighting for his life against over 20 hyenas. The BBC website says, 'The lioness leader of a once mighty pride must now battle for their very survival.'
Coming up: Painted Wolf
The BBC website describes the photo, 'Blacktip's youngsters swell the ranks. In the same year that Tammy was the only survivor of Tait's litter, Blacktip had 10 puppies survive. Suddenly Blacktip's pack outnumbered Tait's, allowing her to drive her mother out.'
Coming up: Tigers
The BBC website says, 'A tigress, Raj Bhera, has 4 new cubs. She must protect them while battling rivals who want to steal her lands and overthrow her. Will she hold on and raise her cubs to adulthood?'
Swipe through to see the most shocking moments from Dynasties 2018
David the chimp was challenged for his leadership
David the chimp was the alpha for his community, but was viciously attacked by another chimp and left for dead. Thankfully, he survived - but only because a group of female chimps came to his aid and tended his wounds.
The mother Emperor penguin trying to save herself and her baby
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.
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.
Coming up: Lions
We'll get a glimpse into the life of a pack of lions on Sunday 25th November, on BBC One at 8pm. This picture shows Red - one of the pride's adolescent males - fighting for his life against over 20 hyenas. The BBC website says, 'The lioness leader of a once mighty pride must now battle for their very survival.'
Coming up: Painted Wolf
The BBC website describes the photo, 'Blacktip's youngsters swell the ranks. In the same year that Tammy was the only survivor of Tait's litter, Blacktip had 10 puppies survive. Suddenly Blacktip's pack outnumbered Tait's, allowing her to drive her mother out.'
Coming up: Tigers
The BBC website says, 'A tigress, Raj Bhera, has 4 new cubs. She must protect them while battling rivals who want to steal her lands and overthrow her. Will she hold on and raise her cubs to adulthood?'
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'."
NOW WATCH: All the winners of Strictly Come Dancing
