This week’s episode of the nature documentary Dynasties was an emotional rollercoaster

Oonagh Keating. Updated November 19th, 2018

Once again, the nation gathered around the TV to watch a BBC nature documentary, totally aware that things aren’t always rosy in the animal kingdom. But nobody was emotionally prepared for the heartbreaking scenes about to unfold as a number of penguins, including tiny chicks, fell into a ravine and were unable to escape. Here’s how the drama played out.

It was tough for everyone seeing the penguins struggle to save themselves and their babies.

https://twitter.com/BBCEarth/status/1064255579466674176

Neither can my mum. She’s yelling at the TV. My dad told her to calm down and she just shouted “He’s gonna die, Darren!”. 😂 Luckily the penguin survived, she would be in tears if it died.

— Jade/YoungBlood💜💜🖤🖤 (@KittyKat3801) November 18, 2018

I don’t remember pingu being this brutal. #Dynasties pic.twitter.com/YPacyCxELU

— JC (not that one) (@_Lady_Gardener) November 18, 2018

One mother penguin realised she couldn’t get out of the ravine with her chick, so she left it behind.

https://twitter.com/sanna995/status/1064256943571828736

https://twitter.com/natmills_/status/1064259702379433989

https://twitter.com/Miles_Tarbox/status/1064259638001053703

Me: I’m calm, totally calm, not flapping at all
Also me: #Dynasties pic.twitter.com/ytltwxYSrV

— BBC Earth (@BBCEarth) November 18, 2018

Because the circumstances were beyond even the usual tough conditions, the crew decided to give the stranded birds a fighting chance.

https://twitter.com/BBCEarth/status/1064264500239585280

Viewers were relieved and full of praise for the crew.

THE FILMMAKERS ARE DIGGING A RAMP TO SAVE THE PENGUINS IN THE RAVINE, FOUR FOR YOU #DYNASTIES FILMMAKETS pic.twitter.com/YeRP8OPUEC

— Becki Jayne Crossley ❄️ (@literarypanckes) November 18, 2018

Three cheers to the @BBCEarth camera crew for digging a little ramp to save those penguins and their babies…! Remarkable work all round, but extra thanks for giving nature a tiny helping hand. We need to give nature all the helping hands we can. #Dynasties #BBC

— Dominic Jermey (@DomJermey) November 18, 2018

Go mumma! GO!#Dynasties pic.twitter.com/VGR7bx6jDq

— BBC Earth (@BBCEarth) November 18, 2018

When we saw one penguin mum reach safety with her chick, it was a bitter-sweet moment.

https://twitter.com/Dyson1Jen/status/1064265212503752704

This is what it took to bring us the incredible scenes.

🐧 11,000 birds
🎥 337 days filming
🌪 130kph winds
☀️ 62 days without sun
❄️ -44.3°C temperatures
👨🏻 3 crew members
🎬 1 incredible episode

A huge thank you to @willplawson, @Badger__Boy + @christmannphoto 💚#Dynasties pic.twitter.com/MHZGbiacEm

— BBC Earth (@BBCEarth) November 18, 2018

We can’t express it any better than this understated reaction from Gary Lineker.

Penguins don’t get it easy, do they? #Dynasties

— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) November 18, 2018

Images property of the BBC.

Breaking! Prank your kids this Christmas with Elves Behavin’ Badly

Sponsored Video