The final installment of the Planet Earth trilogy, the beloved BBC nature documentary series narrated by David Attenborough, is set to grace UK screens this month.
Planet Earth III, spanning coasts, deserts, and cities, delves into the richness, drama, and fragility of the natural world across eight captivating episodes. These episodes were filmed over a span of five years, offering viewers a unique and in-depth look at our planet's wonders.
In a particularly tense scene captured off the Robberg Peninsula on the Indian Ocean coast of South Africa, a great white shark roams the waters, seeking out vulnerable Cape fur seal pups taking their first tentative steps into the water.
Source: BBC
The shark's target is the energy-rich blubber of the pups, which can sustain it for days, or even weeks.
Initially, it appears that the iconic predator has the upper hand, given the slow and clumsy nature of the seal pups, making them easy targets. However, the situation takes a surprising turn.
As depicted in the image, adult seals spot the shark's presence. Instead of fleeing, they band together to confront and chase away the intruder. More seals join in, ultimately driving the shark away from the area. Meanwhile, the seal pups gain a valuable lesson about the perils lurking in the ocean.
Great white sharks, typically known as solitary hunters, have congregated in significant numbers at this particular site over the years.
These formidable creatures are the world's largest predatory fish, reaching lengths of up to 21 feet and weighing as much as 4,500 pounds, as reported by National Geographic.
With streamlined bodies and powerful tailfins, they can race through the water at speeds of up to 35 miles per hour and deliver a bite force of up to 1.8 metric tons.
Cape fur seals, with their fatty blubber, are a delectable treat for these ferocious predators, offering enough energy to sustain them for days or even weeks. At first glance, these seals might seem like easy prey, but that impression doesn't last long.
Source: BBC
As the great white sharks begin to encircle their prey, adult seals swiftly turn to face the impending danger and unite to form a formidable defense. They work together to rally more seals, creating a united front that ultimately drives the swarming sharks away.
Capturing such remarkable moments on camera was a challenging endeavor, and the production team was right in the midst of the action. Justin Blake, a marine biologist from South Africa who joined the Planet Earth III crew for this scene, shared his experience:
"Before we began filming for Planet Earth III, despite my years of training and experience, I found the prospect of diving with great white sharks daunting, terrifying even. I must have spent at least a month building the mental courage and fortitude in the lead-up to the first shoot."
Source: BBC
Blake's role was to shadow the camera operator, keeping a vigilant watch for sharks, boats, and treacherous waves. He reflected, "I am no longer terrified of great white sharks. I'm simply in awe of them. And I'm actively working to understand and conserve them.
These animals are sensitive, perfectly adapted to their watery home, and certainly not the indiscriminate man-eaters we once considered them to be. They deserve our respect and, critically, our understanding."