David Attenborough criticises Bear Grylls for killing animals 'just to get a shot' on Channel 4 reality show

Mr Grylls and Mr Attenborough pictured together in 2015
Getty Images
Martin Coulter5 January 2018

Sir David Attenborough has criticised Bear Grylls accusing him of killing animals "just to get a shot".

The veteran broadcaster, 91, hit out at the reality survival star in an interview with The Sun saying: "We've never killed an animal."

In one of Mr Grylls' latest TV shows, The Island, crocodiles, pigs and turkeys were all killed in separate challenges.

When asked about the reality star's exploits, Mr Attenborough said: "We've never killed an animal...Bear Grylls will have to answer for himself.

He added: "I wouldn't willingly kill an animal just to get a shot."

Viewers and animal rights activists have been highly critical of The Island over its treatment of animals.

Olympian Iwan Thomas and former Coronation Street star Ryan Thomas were seen killing a crocodile with a knife in the 2017 run.

In 2015, the show was accused of "shipping in pigs" for contestants to slaughter.

The RSPCA previously told The Mail on Sunday: "[We] oppose practices that cause animals pain, suffering or death in the name of entertainment.

"It is unacceptable and could easily cause great distress to the animals."

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