BBC film crew broke big ‘no interference’ rule after spotting problem while filming penguins

When it comes to its nature documentaries, there tends to be one main rule - don't interfere with the animals.

It's a cardinal rule for wildlife observers to not get involved with the course of nature.

However, a BBC film crew who were in Antarctica recording for David Attenborough's series Dynasties broke the rule when they spotted a group of penguins in trouble. Take a look at the 'wholesome' moment below:

In the programme, the penguins can be seen stuck in a ravine, some of them already having died.

The heartbreaking sight left the BBC camera crew in a bit of a predicament. Do they follow the rules and leave the penguins to die in the ravine or step in to lend a helping hand?

Much to the relief of viewers, the crew decided to try and save the birds, in what has been described by BBC Earth as an 'unprecedented move.'

The Dynasties crew took to the ravine and dug some steps which they hoped the penguins would then use to get out.

Thankfully, their plan worked, and the penguins waddled their way over and managed to escape.

BBC

Despite reflecting on the 'no interference' rule as an important factor when filming animals, veteran wildlife cameraman Doug Allan applauded the Dynasties film crew's actions - highlighting the crew didn't physically move or touch the penguins themselves, but simply gave them an alternative pathway.

He told The Guardian: "Interfering or not is a decision based on what you’re seeing at the time. To interfere on a predation event is definitely wrong but, in this situation, they didn’t spook the penguins. All they did was create an escape route for them.

"I certainly think, in that case, what they did was entirely justifiable and entirely understandable. I would have done the same thing in their situation."

The series may have aired over four years ago, but social media users are still in awe over the heart-wrenching scenes.

BBC

TikToker @avdolsenior shared a clip from the programme, calling the film crew 'wholesome' and it didn't take long for people to flood to the comments.

One user said: "I disagree entirely with the no interference rule. We can be shepherds for life on this planet if we choose to be."

"No interference? They were just making steps for themselves to use and cross, the penguins just happen to use them," another added.

And a third resolved: "Humans cause far more death in the world than these guys saving a few penguins. We should help at every chance we are given."