Nanaimo Photographer Shane Gross Wins 2024 Wildlife Photographer of the Year

In a celebration of nature’s grandeur, Nanaimo-based photojournalist Shane Gross has been awarded the prestigious 2024 Wildlife Photographer of the Year title, bestowed by the Natural History Museum in the United Kingdom. Gross’s photograph, “The Swarm of Life,” beautifully captures western toad tadpoles basking in sunlight amidst lily pads at Cedar Lake, near Campbell River.

Chosen from a pool of 59,228 entries submitted from 117 different countries and territories, Gross’s image has garnered acclaim for its depiction of a crucial yet often overlooked ecosystem. “I’m beyond honoured,” Gross stated in a conversation with the Times Colonist from London. “Highlighting the beauty of Vancouver Island and our wetlands is incredibly rewarding,” he added.

The image not only clinched the grand prize but also won in the competition’s wetlands category. Gross emphasized that while capturing the photo was straightforward, the greater challenge lies in using this recognition to advocate for the protection of vital ecosystems. “With this photo, I aim to inspire hope,” Gross elaborated, drawing attention to the lush life that the wetlands nurture.

Residents of British Columbia will have the opportunity to view the award-winning photograph at the Royal B.C. Museum from February 14 to April 17. Additionally, the exhibit will be displayed at the Royal Ontario Museum starting December 21 of this year.

Renowned for his dedication to marine conservation, Gross developed an early fascination with sharks, which gradually expanded to a broader interest in underwater life. He remarked on his goal to share “long-form narratives about the ocean and humans’ impacts,” both protective and harmful.

The winning image was a result of meticulous work, as Gross spent hours snorkeling through the aquatic habitat, ensuring no disturbance to the lake’s delicate ecosystem. He narrated following the passive trails made by beavers through the lush lily pads which float on the lake’s surface.

The competition’s judge, Tony Wu, lauded Gross’s ability to “immerse viewers in an epic migration” of the tadpoles, which he described as an unseen phenomenon to many. Jury chair Kathy Moran noted the image’s allure through its “mix of light, energy, and the connection between the environment and the tadpoles.”

Western toad tadpoles engage in daily migrations from the lake’s depths to its shallows, a move to evade predators while seeking nourishment. Despite their resilience, a staggering 99% do not reach adulthood, thwarted by threats such as habitat destruction and roadside fatalities. They are deemed yellow-listed in British Columbia, indicating a secure yet narrowly distributed species with prospective environmental threats.

Fellow Canadians also featured prominently in the event. John E. Marriott from Canmore, Alberta, secured a win in the Animal Portraits category with his captivating image of a lynx family in the Yukon. Meanwhile, Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas of Germany claimed the Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year award with an image capturing a springtail insect atop a slime mold.