Napping Polar Bear image wins Wildlife Photographer of the Year award

Every year the Natural History Museum in London hosts the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition.

The winning photos have been shared from this year’s contest, which highlights the best in wildlife photography. The event is seen as one of the most prestigious photography competitions in the world.

WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD

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Out of 50 000 submissions, a panel of judges shortlisted 25 images. Members of the public then voted for the top five photos for the People’s Choice Award.

This year an image of a young polar bear napping on a large chunk of sea ice has won the Wildlife Photographer of the Year People’s Choice Award.

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The stunning photo was taken by British amateur photographer Nima Sarikhani, who captured the image during a three-day trip off Norway’s Svalbard archipelago.

The photograph has come at a moment when the fate of polar bears is under the spotlight. There is said to be only 22 000 of these “vulnerable” bears left on the planet, with their sea-ice habitat ever shrinking.

THE OTHER FINALISTS

Four other images were “Highly Commended” by voters.

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“The Happy Turtle,” photographed by Tzahi Finkelstein, depicts the moment a northern banded groundling dragonfly perches on the head of a Balkan pond turtle.

Audun Rikardsen’s image portrays two moon jellyfish illuminated by the northern lights. The remaining two images feature a lion cub being groomed by two lionesses, and a murmuration of starlings forming the shape of a bird.

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Click here to see these captivating images.

The five photos will be displayed at London’s Natural History Museum, and online, until 30 June 2024.

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