BBC Crew Breaks Protocol to Save Trapped Penguins in Nature Documentary
Filmmaking in the realm of nature documentaries typically adheres to a strict rule: observe without interference. However, during the production of the BBC Earth series, Dynasties, a dramatic incident forced the crew to reconsider this principle. The setting was Antarctica, home to a vulnerable colony of Emperor penguins.
The Crisis in Antarctica
A severe storm struck the region, plunging temperatures as low as minus 50 degrees Celsius (minus 76 degrees Fahrenheit). Though Emperor penguins are accustomed to harsh climates, this storm created dangerous conditions. Many mothers and their chicks found themselves trapped in a steep, icy ravine, separated from their rookery. The walls of this gully were too steep and slippery for them to navigate safely, especially while caring for their young.
The Dire Dilemma
As temperatures dropped, tragedy unfolded. Several chicks succumbed to the cold, while hungry predators circled nearby. The emotional strain on the film crew was palpable. “It’s natural, but it’s hard to watch,” one cameraman shared. With extinction looming for the trapped group, the team faced a weighty decision: allow nature to take its course or intervene.
The Choice to Intervene
After the storm subsided, the crew opted for a cautious form of intervention. Rather than physically lifting the penguins, they carefully dug a shallow ramp into the ice, allowing the birds a pathway to safety. Director Will Lawson recounted the moment, expressing joy when the penguins began using the ramp. “Once we’d dug that little ramp… we left it to the birds,” Lawson stated.
Impact and Ethics
The footage capturing the penguins waddling up the ramp became a significant moment in the series. However, it ignited discussions around the ethics of wildlife filmmaking. Renowned naturalist Sir David Attenborough, a proponent of non-interference, supported the crew’s actions. He acknowledged the rarity of such interventions but believed it was justified in this instance.
Producer Mike Gunton echoed this sentiment, framing the decision as a moral obligation rather than a breach of documentary ethics. “These penguins were going to die through a freak act of nature if nothing happened,” Gunton remarked. “You have to act if doing nothing isn’t an option.”
Conclusion
The incident with the Emperor penguins during the filming of BBC Dynasties exemplifies the complex relationship between documentary filmmakers and the wildlife they document. It raises important questions about the ethics of intervention in nature, sparking debate that resonates within the filmmaking community.
