Viewers tuned into Sunday evening's episode of Sir David Attenborough's Wild Isles on BBC One were left on the edge of their seat during a dramatic scene involving an orca.
Filmed in the waters surrounding Shetland, the documentary showed the killer whale hunting a seal in a thrilling chase. The incredible shots took a year to capture, with the crew only obtaining the footage thanks to a network of spotters in the islands who helped them track the pod of orca down.
People watching the programme at home were quick to take to social media to share their thoughts on the gripping scene. Viewers included Shetland's Liberal Democrat MSP Beatrice Wishart, who wrote: "Brilliant new series. Spectacular footage of orca around Shetland."
"Orca... music...seals... goosebumps," a second stunned viewer wrote, while a third tweeted: "David Attenborough straight in breaking my heart with an orca pod pursuing seals."
Meanwhile, a fourth commented: "Attenborough boshing straight in with the tense scenes! Orca drowning seals and baby dormice venturing out when mum’s not looking! I can’t cope."
Following the show, Attenborough issued a warning that "nature is in crisis" as he backed charities RSPB Scotland and WWF Scotland. Together, they have launched an initiative aimed at halting the destruction of nature across the British Isles.
The broadcaster and biologist commented: "The truth is, every one of us, no matter who we are, or where we live, can and must play a part in restoring nature. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed or powerless by the scale of the issues facing our planet, but we have the solutions.
"I am hopeful for the future, because although nature is in crisis, now is the time for action, and together we can save it.”
WWF Scotland director Lang Banks added: "Saving our wild isles is a massive challenge, and we need to act fast, but there is hope. The science is clear about what we need to do and there are already amazing people transforming farms, businesses, coasts, urban spaces, transport networks, energy supplies and communities for nature.
"We just need much more of it. Everyone, everywhere can make a difference to nature in this country.
"Protecting and restoring nature needs to be at the heart of all decisions and we will see rapid change if we all stand together and act together."
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