David Attenborough's Parenthood Series Uses Fish Tank Filming Across Continents

Sir David Attenborough's latest BBC series, Parenthood, showcases extraordinary animal parenting behaviors across six continents using ultra high-definition technology, but parts of the filming were conducted in specialist tanks rather than in the wild. Due to the tiny size of some species, fragility of environments, and the sensitive nature of parent-offspring relationships, producers chose to film certain sequences, such as those involving boxer crabs, skeleton shrimps, Banggai cardinalfish, and Amazon river turtle hatchlings, in controlled settings to avoid disturbing natural habitats and risking the survival of the young. The series' producers emphasized their adherence to wildlife filmmaking's non-intervention ethos, working closely with scientific researchers and incubation projects to capture critical moments without disrupting natural behaviors. The BBC has acknowledged this approach openly, responding to past accusations of fakery by clarifying that the use of tanks and incubators was essential for capturing delicate scenes while maintaining ethical standards. Advanced filming technologies, including infrared and underwater gyro-stabilized cameras, were employed to reveal never-before-seen animal behaviors and provide viewers with intimate insights into the challenges faced by animal parents adapting to a rapidly changing world. This blend of innovative filming techniques and careful environmental consideration allowed the series to document rare animal interactions without compromising their welfare.