Wildlife Photography Awards Celebrate Nature’s Wonders

Quick Smiles:

• Record-breaking entries highlight global enthusiasm for wildlife.
• Winning images shine a spotlight on resilience and beauty in nature.
• Young and seasoned photographers share impactful stories through their lenses.

This year’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition drew an unprecedented 60,636 entries from 113 countries and territories, demonstrating a worldwide passion for nature’s splendor. The prestigious event, run by London’s Natural History Museum, continues its tradition of inspiring visual storytelling and spotlighting the urgency of conservation.

A haunting photograph of a rare hyena in Namibia’s deserted Kolmanskop earned South African photographer Wim van den Heever the coveted top prize. Jury chair Kathy Moran remarked,

“How fitting that this photograph was made in a ghost town… You know that you’re in this hyena’s realm.”

Fellow jury member Akanksha Sood Singh praised the image as,

“a multi-layered story of loss, resilience and the natural world’s silent triumph.”

This 61-year-old contest champions biodiversity and humanity’s bond with the earth. Director Dr Doug Gurr said,

“With the inclusion of our Biodiversity Intactness Index, this year’s exhibition will be our best combination of great artistry and groundbreaking science yet.”

Winners include Jamie Smart (10 years and under) for capturing an orb weaver spider, Chien Lee for revealing a glowing pitcher plant under UV light, and Qingrong Yang for photographing a ladyfish and egret in an intense moment. Other category highlights feature caterpillars with headgear, urban spiders, artistic natural perspectives, and touching stories such as an orphaned giant anteater pup’s journey in Brazil.

The exhibition opens October 17th at the Natural History Museum, inviting visitors to marvel at nature’s resilience and compelling beauty through the eyes of talented photographers young and old.

Stay tuned for more uplifting stories that connect people and planet, only in our next edition!

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