Poignant Elephant Image Wins Wildlife Photographer of the Year Award

A powerful black-and-white photograph of a female elephant carrying her deceased calf has been crowned the winner of the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. Captured by Italian photographer Federico Veronesi in Namibia’s Huab River Valley, the image depicts the calf wedged between the mother’s tusk and trunk, a scene that has resonated globally for its raw emotional weight. The winning entry was selected from a record-breaking 65,403 submissions originating from 121 countries and territories.

Kathy Moran, chair of the jury, described the photograph as a "gut punch" that serves as both an emotional narrative and intellectual evidence of animal cognition. The competition also recognized 14-year-old British photographer Oscar Whitfield, who won the Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year title for his detailed shot of a dung beetle. Jury member Jasper Doest praised Whitfield’s work for its technical precision and its ability to highlight the often-overlooked cycles of life within the natural world.

Beyond the top prizes, the competition showcased a diverse array of winners across various categories, including urban wildlife, natural artistry, and animal behavior. Notable entries included a common octopus in southwest England, fluorescent fungi in Greece, and shoebills in Uganda. These images, which highlight the complexity of the natural world, were curated by London’s Natural History Museum, which organizes the annual event to foster a deeper understanding of biodiversity and the importance of environmental conservation.

Dr. Doug Gurr, director of the Natural History Museum, emphasized that the winning photographs demonstrate the extraordinary power of wildlife imagery to shift human perspectives on nature. By capturing intimate and surprising moments, the exhibition serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of all species. The collection is currently on display at the Natural History Museum in London and is scheduled to embark on an international tour, bringing these poignant stories of the wild to a global audience.