“Nima’s captivating image encapsulates the fragile beauty of our planet,” remarked Dr. Douglas Gurr, director of the Natural History Museum. “This poignant photograph illustrates the deep connection between wildlife and their habitats, serving as a powerful reminder of the impacts of Climate Change and habitat loss."
Sarikhani’s photograph was the result of a challenging three-day expedition through dense fog across Norway’s Svalbard archipelago, as he searched tirelessly for polar bears in the Arctic wilderness.The People's Choice Award invited nature enthusiasts worldwide to select their favorite from a shortlist of 25 extraordinary wildlife images. Alongside Sarikhani's winning entry, four other striking photos were highly commended.Highly Commended Finalists
The Happy Turtle by Tzahi Finkelstein
While waiting in a hide to photograph shorebirds in Israel’s Jezreel Valley, Finkelstein witnessed a remarkable moment—a Balkan pond turtle standing in shallow water with a dragonfly perched unexpectedly on its nose.
Starling Murmuration by Daniel Dencescu
After countless hours of tracking starlings around Rome, Dencescu finally captured a breathtaking formation—a murmuration swirling into the shape of a bird against a clear winter sky.
Shared Parenting by Mark Boyd
Boyd documented a touching moment in Kenya's Maasai Mara, as two lionesses reunited with their cubs after a night of hunting. The lionesses called the young ones out of hiding and groomed them on the open grassland.
Aurora Jellies by Audun Rikardsen
Using a custom waterproof housing, Rikardsen photographed the ethereal sight of moon jellyfish floating beneath the northern lights in a fjord near Tromsø, Norway. His intricate setup allowed him to adjust focus and aperture mid-exposure, creating a mesmerizing blend of sea and sky.
This year's award celebrates not only the technical mastery of these photographers but also the profound stories their images tell about the relationship between animals and their changing environments.
Sarikhani’s photograph was the result of a challenging three-day expedition through dense fog across Norway’s Svalbard archipelago, as he searched tirelessly for polar bears in the Arctic wilderness.The People's Choice Award invited nature enthusiasts worldwide to select their favorite from a shortlist of 25 extraordinary wildlife images. Alongside Sarikhani's winning entry, four other striking photos were highly commended.Highly Commended FinalistsThe Happy Turtle by Tzahi Finkelstein
While waiting in a hide to photograph shorebirds in Israel’s Jezreel Valley, Finkelstein witnessed a remarkable moment—a Balkan pond turtle standing in shallow water with a dragonfly perched unexpectedly on its nose.
Starling Murmuration by Daniel DencescuAfter countless hours of tracking starlings around Rome, Dencescu finally captured a breathtaking formation—a murmuration swirling into the shape of a bird against a clear winter sky.
Shared Parenting by Mark BoydBoyd documented a touching moment in Kenya's Maasai Mara, as two lionesses reunited with their cubs after a night of hunting. The lionesses called the young ones out of hiding and groomed them on the open grassland.
Aurora Jellies by Audun RikardsenUsing a custom waterproof housing, Rikardsen photographed the ethereal sight of moon jellyfish floating beneath the northern lights in a fjord near Tromsø, Norway. His intricate setup allowed him to adjust focus and aperture mid-exposure, creating a mesmerizing blend of sea and sky.
This year's award celebrates not only the technical mastery of these photographers but also the profound stories their images tell about the relationship between animals and their changing environments.
