First, cruelty to animals is strictly verboten. Indeed, stunts requiring prey to be tied down or isolated with predators are universally condemned. Moreover, it really hurts to see prey quivering in fear for their lives before predators. There have been times when I desperately wanted to film something, and if I had just changed something, it would have worked. Nor would reputable filmmakers secretly substitute tame for wild animals or put together species that would never meet in the wild.
Page responds that most filmmakers strive to record nature without disturbing it.
This approach is particularly important in national parks, where interference is illegal. Risky Business Danger is the constant companion of the wildlife filmmaker. But even the most resilient filmmaker must, for safety's sake, demonstrate deep respect for animals and an intimate knowledge of their behavior. Because only after filmmakers understand their subjects can they position themselves for good shots without putting themselves in harm's way. And often the most important insights are derived from studious observation.