David Attenborough makes heartfelt plea for people to respect animals as baby turtles are crushed by cars in Planet Earth II finale
TV legend expressed his dismay at our inability to built cities in harmony with nature
IT brought joy to millions of nature fans each week.
But last night the finale of Planet Earth II ended in tragedy with footage of newborn turtles being run over by cars in Barbados.
The scenes prompted presenter SIR DAVID ATTENBOROUGH to make an impassioned speech expressing his dismay at humans’ inability to “build cities more in harmony with nature”, and insisting: “It doesn’t have to be like this.”
Standing at the top of London’s Shard, he urged viewers to look after animals in cities, saying: “Only a small number of animals have managed to find ways of living alongside us. And every ten years an area the size of Britain disappears under a jungle of concrete. But it doesn’t have to be like this.
“Could it not be possible to build cities more in harmony with nature?
“Now over half of us live in an urban environment. My home too is here in the city of London.
“It’s also sobering. It reminds me of just how easy it is for us to lose our connection with the natural world.
“Yet it’s on this connection that the future of both humanity and the natural world depend. It’s surely our responsibility to do everything within our power to create a planet that provides a home not just for us, but for all life on Earth.”
The Hawksbill turtles were killed by motorists after accidentally walking into the town.
Planet Earth II has pulled in more viewers than The X Factor, with an average of ten million each week.
And producer Mike Gunton has said it would be “crazy” to rule out making Planet Earth III.
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Top 3 moments from Planet Earth II
PLANET Earth II has been an emotional roller-coaster during its six-episode run that has featured some stunning sequences.
The terrifying moment racer snakes chased baby iguanas in the Galapagos had viewers gasping in disbelief, while the drama turned to comedy with heartwarming shots of grizzly bears pole dancing in the Rockies.
There was a personal highlight for the host, as Sir David Attenborough fulfilled a 60-year ambition to capture on film snow leopards in the Himalayas.
It beats re-runs of Bargain Hunt.
SOAPBOX
CATHY and Roy’s wedding looks to be over before it’s even begun on CORONATION STREET.
For Roy is accidentally caught on tape saying he has doubts about their nuptials.
Poor Cathy hears the confession right before she walks down the aisle, casting a shadow over her big day.
Over on EASTENDERS , Phil is really fed up with Roxy’s wild behaviour and threatens to kick her out after she has another boozy night out.
Donna tries to console her, but Roxy breaks down as she struggles to find a way to piece her life back together again.
There’s no festive cheer here in Walford.