Public Vote Winner for Best Wildlife Photographer

An awe-inspiring photograph captures the serene moment of a juvenile polar bear peacefully dozing off on an iceberg.

This remarkable image, taken by Nima Sarikhani, a talented amateur photographer from Britain, has been honoured with the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year People’s Choice Award.

“Sarikhani’s captivating and moving image offers a glimpse into the exquisite and delicate nature of our planet,” expressed Dr. Douglas Gurr, director of the Natural History Museum.

“The image he presents makes us reflect on the strong connection between animals and their habitats, and it visually depicts the negative effects of climate change and the loss of habitats.”

Sarikhani captured the image after an extensive three-day search for polar bears amidst dense fog near Norway’s Svalbard archipelago.

Wildlife photography and nature enthusiasts from all corners of the globe were given the opportunity to cast their votes from a curated selection of 25 captivating images.

Four other exceptional finalists received high praise.

Tzahi Finkelstein was in his hide, capturing images of shore birds, when he noticed a Balkan pond turtle strolling through the shallow water.

An unexpected visitor landed on the turtle’s nose.

Daniel Dencescu dedicated a significant amount of time observing the movements of the starlings throughout the city and suburbs of Rome, Italy.

At last, on a clear winter day, the flock formed the magnificent silhouette of a massive bird.

Two lionesses ventured out for a hunt, while the pride’s five cubs sought refuge in the thick bushes of Kenya’s Maasai Mara.

After their unsuccessful mission, they summoned the cubs to the open grassland and started grooming.

Protecting his equipment with a custom waterproof housing, Audun Rikardsen skillfully adjusted the focus and aperture while capturing a mesmerising scene. In the chilly autumn waters of a fjord near Tromsø, in northern Norway, a multitude of moon jellyfish gracefully floated, bathed in the ethereal glow of the aurora borealis.