More than 65,000 images from photographers across 121 countries posed a formidable challenge to the judges of this year’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. From this vast collection, 100 images were shortlisted, capturing the incredible diversity of the world’s fauna and their habitats, emphasizing the significance of emotionally evocative wildlife photography.
The chosen images span various categories, highlighting animal behavior, portraits, and photojournalism. These photos reveal the beauty of inter-species interactions, family bonds, and the often heartbreaking effects of human involvement in this art form.
Dive into more captivating wildlife photography by exploring Joe Neely’s charming bee nap shot that adds a whimsical touch to this art form.
Capturing profound and tender wildlife moments
In a poignant image by Vegard Byrkjeland Aasen, a grieving orca parent is seen supporting its deceased calf in the freezing waters of a Norwegian fjord. Pietro Rojas’ photograph of a muzzled brown bear, restrained and forced to perform tricks in a circus, sheds light on the detrimental human impact on wildlife. A statement accompanying the image notes, “Many countries have banned the use of wild animals in circuses. Where brown bears are employed, they are often trained to perform in unnatural postures, leading to health and behavioral issues.”
Expressive wildlife photography often features animals in their natural settings. Audun Rikardsen presents a unique seal’s-eye view of a polar bear curiously peeking through a hole in the ice. Ernest Porter captures a heartwarming moment between an oxpecker and a rhinoceros, with the bird appearing to affectionately clean the rhinoceros’s snout. Jens Cullmann brings humor with an African bullfrog dramatically failing its attempt to catch dinner in this genre.
For more stunning wildlife moments captured in natural settings, check out Roeselien Raimond’s striking fox photos that highlight the beauty of wildlife in winter.
Exhibition details and public engagement
The winners will be revealed on October 13. You can explore hundreds of past years’ photos in the online gallery. This year’s exhibition will take place at London’s Natural History Museum from October 16 to July 11, 2027.
Source: thisiscolossal.com
Frequently asked questions
How many countries participated in the Wildlife Photographer competition?
More than 65,000 images from photographers across 121 countries were submitted for this year’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition.
What image highlights the impact of circuses on bears?
Pietro Rojas’ photograph of a muzzled brown bear, restrained and forced to perform tricks in a circus, sheds light on the detrimental human impact on wildlife.
When is the Wildlife Photographer exhibition at the Natural History Museum?
This year’s exhibition will take place at London’s Natural History Museum from October 16 to July 11, 2027.