The BBC’s Blue Planet Live has faced criticism after a host was accused of not paying attention while releasing baby turtles and allowing one to be grabbed by a seagull.
As presenter Liz Bonnin told the camera how important it was to protect the “precious individuals” from predators, the bird swooped in behind her back and proved her point by snatching one them.
Viewers took to Twitter to complain, although BBC has refused to disclose how many official complaints the corporation received over the broadcast, according to The Daily Telegraph.
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However, if Blue Planet has taught its audience anything, it is that ocean life is far from predictable and this incident is not the only alarming moment captured by BBC cameras.
Giant sharks attack film crew’s submarine
When the Blue Planet team went to investigate a whale carcass, they came across a group of sharks who had got there first. “The submarine is very strong, but they’re so big and strong. I’m a little bit afraid,” said one crew member. Thankfully, the sharks realised the sub wasn’t a competing predator and eventually lost interest.
Pelican crashes director’s tent
One Blue Planet director was woken by a surprise visitor one morning when a pelican attempted to enter her tent while filming on location in the Galapagos. The bird also brought with it a not-so-welcome housewarming gift, making quite the wake-up call.
Food chain reversal
We’re used to birds diving down to the water’s surface to pluck out a fish, but have you ever seen the opposite? In this shocking clip, a giant fish repeatedly leaps into the air and comes down with dinner.
Eel slithers away from toxic shock
This strange and unsettling video looks like an eel exorcism, but it’s actually just the consequence of one of the deep sea’s deadly features. Brine pools at the bottom of the ocean contain eight times the usually sea salinity levels. Eels are susceptible to toxic shock, making deep-sea brine lakes bad news for them. While this one had a really awful day, it was lucky to make it out alive.
Rubbish in ocean disrupting wildlife
Far from enjoyable to watch, but possibly the most shocking moments from Blue Planet are two examples of the huge amount of plastic in the ocean. One showed a small turtle caught in a plastic bag, while another saw a whale trying to eat a plastic bucket.
The worst worm you’ve ever seen
The metre-long Bobbit worm might be the most nightmare-inducing thing to be found in the seabed. It’s reminiscent of the Demogorgon from Stranger Things but was named after a US woman who severed her husband’s penis while he slept.
Impressive octopus camouflage suit
Not only is this an innovative use of suction cups, it also might be the most beautiful way a creature has escaped death on film. If more proof was needed that octopuses are the geniuses of the sea, it’s right here. The last-minute escape is truly something out of a spy movie.
