No person would want to sit back and watch an animal in need. But those who are part of a nature film crew are supposed to capture what they see, without intervening.
One crew from BBC’s Dynasties faced this type of predicament while documenting the lives of Emperor penguins. While they knew it was important to not interfere – they struggled with what to do when dozens of the Antarctic birds got caught in a life-threatening situation.
Dynasties is a series created by Sir David Attenborough that allows viewers to enter the worlds of several of the “most iconic animals.”
The show’s film crews traveled to different stunning locations across the globe to get an inside look into the lives of chimpanzees, lions, tigers, painted wolves, and penguins. On BBC Earth’s YouTube channel, they share:
“As their stories unfold, you witness their incredible determination to protect their family line in the face of challenges to their leadership or from the often harsh environment around them.”
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One episode focused on a group of penguins that had gotten trapped in a gully.
According to The Guardian, the birds had become stuck after either tumbling in or being blown in during an Antarctic storm. Sadly, some of the penguins even had chicks with them.
Their lives were in danger and the film crew knew it.
Even though the people are supposed to allow nature to take its course while filming the animals – it doesn’t mean that it’s always easy. One of the crew members was emotional watching the penguins from a distance (some of which had already perished).
With tears in his eyes, he said:
“I know it’s natural, but it’s bloody hard to watch.”
While observing the penguins they noticed a glimmer of hope.
Right before the crew was about to pack up because of the weather, they saw a male penguin actually climbing his way out of the ravine. Amazingly, he had a baby on his feet, and he used his beak and wings to help them reach the top.
As a crew member pointed out:
“If only the other 50 in there could do the same…”
They had a tough decision to make.
After returning a couple of days later, the crew saw that the penguins were still trapped in the icy ditch (also that more hadn’t survived). But instead of continuing to not intervene – they decided to finally step in.
“We’ve given it a lot of thought. We’ve decided that we are definitely gonna dig a shallow ramp that they will hopefully use.”
The crew members got to work digging some steps to help the birds escape.
Eventually, they observed a beautiful sight. The penguins started making their way to the top of the gully using the icy steps. After days of being stuck, they’d hopefully be able to return home to their colony.
It’s not something that nature filmmakers would typically do – but a lot of people are applauding their decision to help.
One YouTube user commented:
“Great great great, fantastic job! Nature is brutal, but nothing stops to show a bit empathy and help if there is an opportunity.. Well done guys, you are my heros!!!”
Another viewer wrote:
“OMG, this brought tears to MY eyes as well! All I can say is BRAVO guys for doing what you did, I totally get why or what you were saying as to why you shouldn’t help BUT I salute all of you!”
Press play on the video below to watch this clip for yourself! Would you have done the same?
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