Chris Packham has addressed the wave of complaints following a recent episode of BBC Two’s Springwatch that featured unsettling wildlife footage. The presenter, who co-hosts the show alongside Michaela Strachan, spoke candidly about viewer reactions to the distressing scenes that aired on Monday, 9 June.
During the episode at Longshaw Estate, viewers witnessed a tawny owl preying on song thrush chicks—a raw and brutal example of nature’s realities. The footage sparked strong reactions on social media, with audiences describing the scenes as “brutal” and “savage,” and some criticizing the BBC for broadcasting such content.
One viewer tweeted, “Well done #springwatch. Tens of thousands of children now crying and in distress! They’re not all heartless like you, horrible BBC.” Another reacted with understanding, stating, “That was brutal, but the owls have to do whatever is necessary to live #springwatch.”
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In a recent interview with The i Paper, Chris Packham acknowledged the scenes were indeed “gruesome,” but underscored the show’s commitment to presenting nature honestly. “That’s what happened. It is gruesome. Things eat one another,” he said. The vegan presenter challenged critics to consider their own consumption habits: “Did everyone who complained about that not go to a supermarket and buy some packaged meat and eat it all?”
Packham emphasized the value of public trust, explaining that Springwatch has built a reputation over years by portraying the natural world truthfully. “Our job is to show the truth. If we hid that, we would lose public trust,” he added. “Sometimes owls eat one another. Yum, yum.”
Beyond the controversy, Packham also warned about the ongoing impacts of climate change, describing it as “manifesting in front of our eyes” with “phenomenal” and “terrifying” changes in wildlife and habitats. He expressed a personal commitment to leveraging his platform to drive awareness and action, with Springwatch serving as a vital vehicle to communicate this urgency.
Springwatch continues to air on BBC Two at 8pm on Thursdays, with episodes available for streaming on BBC iPlayer.