The Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2024 competition has unveiled the winners of its prestigious awards, highlighting the captivating and often overlooked beauty of nature. With over 59,228 entries from 117 countries, this year's competition was particularly fierce, showcasing the immense talent and creativity of wildlife photographers worldwide. The winners were announced at the Natural History Museum in London, coinciding with the competition's 60th anniversary.
This year, Canadian marine conservation photojournalist Shane Gross claimed the top prize with his breathtaking image titled "The Swarm of Life." The photograph captures the enchanting underwater world of western toad tadpoles, taken during several hours of snorkeling through densely populated lily pads at Cedar Lake, located on Vancouver Island. The image not only mesmerized the jury with its mix of light, energy, and the dynamic interaction between the tadpoles and their environment but also introduced this near-threatened species to the Wildlife Photographer of the Year archive for the first time.
Kathy Moran, chair of the jury, remarked, "The jury was captivated by the mix of light, energy, and connectivity between the environment and the tadpoles. Over the last few years, the competition has highlighted environments and species often overlooked, yet provoke the same wonder and delight." The significance of this recognition cannot be understated, especially as many western toads face endangerment or threat due to habitat destruction and predation.
This year’s competition featured numerous other remarkable entries, celebrating the diversity of life on our planet. From spontaneous captures of wild animals to poignant stories showcasing their struggles, the competition reveals the extraordinary efforts made by photographers dedicated to documenting wildlife. Among the noteworthy category winners was Hikkaduwa Liyanage Prasantha Vinod, whose image of a young toque macaque sleeping peacefully on the arm of its elder captured the essence of warmth and connection within nature. This stunning photograph clinched the title for the Behaviour: Mammals category.
Another standout photo came from German photographer Karine Aigner, whose dramatic shot captured the fierce moment of a yellow anaconda coiling around the snout of a yacaré caiman, earning her the title for Behaviour: Amphibians and Reptiles. This action-packed photograph brings to light the ever-precarious balance of nature and the fierce predatory dynamics at play.
Matthew Smith from the UK/Australia received accolades for his underwater capture of a leopard seal peering through Antarctic ice. The innovative use of specially devised camera equipment allowed Smith to create intimate, close-quarter shots, providing unique perspectives of the animal's behavior. This effort secured him the title for the Underwater category.
Awarding recognition has also been emphasized for conservation narratives, highlighted by Thomas Peschak's work on the endangered Amazon river dolphin, which earned him the Photojournalist Story Award. His documentation of the dolphins' complex relationship with their aquatic environment shines a spotlight on both the beauty and threats these creatures face, urging conservation efforts.
Competing for the new Impact Award, Jannico Kelk's photograph of the greater bilby, affectionately known as the ninu, presents the successful recovery efforts for this once nearly extinct marsupial. The awareness created by his image emphasizes the positive outcomes achievable through conservation initiatives.
For young aspiring photographers, Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas received the Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year award for his mesmerizing close-up of slime mold and springtails, demonstrating remarkable skill and patience at such a young age. His image captures the hidden wonders of life beneath decaying wood, reminding viewers of the intricacies often invisible to the naked eye.
Visitors can experience these breathtaking images firsthand starting October 11 at the Natural History Museum. Alongside the winning photos, the exhibition will showcase soundscapes, films, and insights relating to the entries, creating an immersive experience over the following months until June next year.
London’s Natural History Museum director Doug Gurr remarked on the importance of this contest, stating, "We are delighted to feature such inspiring images... These are photographs not only encouraging wildlife conservation but also sparking the creation of real advocates for our planet on a global scale." This statement reflects the broader goal of the competition: to inspire action for wildlife preservation and to increase appreciation for the natural world surrounding us.
For those interested, the competition for next year is already open with submissions accepted until December 5, 2024. Aspiring wildlife photographers are encouraged to seize the opportunity to showcase their work and join the legacy of incredible talent showcased throughout the decades of this extraordinary contest.
