The executive producer of a live nature documentary has defended the show after a baby turtle was snatched by a predatory seagull.
Viewers of the final episode of Blue Planet Live were stunned after the gull took off with a tiny turtle. It had just been released into the ocean with five other hatchlings in Heron Island, Australia.
The BBC show came under fire from viewers, with some calling the swoop “traumatic” and others questioning producers for not stepping in to stop the seagull.
But executive producer Roger Webb told the BBC it was nature taking its course.
“What happened and the way it played out was unfortunate,” he said. But he added: “It's not for us to interfere.
"With a predator with such quick wits and ability - they're always going have their eyes on the prize.
"As cruel as it may appear, it is nature doing what nature does, and the hatchling will become important food for the growing chicks of that gull."
