The BBC has captured plenty of iconic moments from the natural world, entertaining us with incredible stories of animals triumphing against the odds or rejoicing in their success stories.
Who could forget the video of the baby iguana outrunning marine snakes, or David Attenborough’s playful encounter with mountain gorillas in Rwanda?
However, some of our favourite wildlife series serve as a stark reminder of the realities of life – and that not all of the animals we grow to love have a happy ending.
Here are some of the saddest wildlife moments that have been captured for the BBC. Consider yourself warned for these tear-jerkers…
- Sir David Attenborough: magic moments caught on film
- Greatest fights in the animal kingdom – including polar bear vs walrus – via thrilling BBC Earth footage narrated by David Attenborough
Heartbreaking animal moments filmed for the BBC
Dynasties crew and the trapped emperor penguins
When filming in Antartica for Dynasties, the crew realise that Emperor penguins are trapped in an icy gully. They face an unprecedented choice: intervene or leave them to die.
Lion cubs cross croc-infested waters
In Kingdom, a pride of lions and their cubs have to cross a river. But a deadly apex predator, capable of killing them, lurks hidden in plain sight...
Incredible orca hunt
Around 100 orcas in the world have developed the incredible hunting technique of wave washing, which was captured on camera for the first time in Frozen Planet II. And unfortunately for this lone seal, it's about to be part of the demonstration.
Monkey troop mourns the death of baby together
Spy in the Wild used robotic animals fitted with cameras to film up-close. But when one of the langur monkeys knocks over the infant 'monkey', they think it has died – and mourn it together.
Wild dogs try to save pack member from crocodile
In footage captured for Kingdom, a crocodile snatches wild dog from riverbank in Zambia – then its pack turns up to try and save it.
Baby elephants swept away from mother in the river
In 24/7 Wild, an elephant family are crossing a river – but the currents are incredibly strong, with even the adults struggling. Will the calves survive?
Tiger grieves her dead mate
Natural World: Return of the Tiger follows a pair of tigers as they navigate the threats around them. When the male tiger hasn't been seen for several days, the conservationists following the tigers form a search party.
Ultimate penguin sacrifice
For Life in the Freezer, a filming team (accompanied by David Attenborough) documented life in one of the harshest environments on Earth: Antarctica. And life as a parent penguin isn't an easy one, as this video proves.
Chimpanzee cannibalism
Chimpanzees can be brutal, as this clip from Planet Earth proves. The chimps are on a hunt to drive out rival groups and a grisly scene unfolds.
Elephant mother faces horrible decision
An elephant's maternal instincts are strong, as seen in Africa. Without grass, the mothers can't provide milk for their calves. So they're faced with a terrible choice.
Penguin chicks struggle to survive
It truly is a tough life for penguins. In footage filmed for Planet Earth, chicks face being orphaned, trampled to death or getting lost in the sudden blizzards...
