2024 Wildlife Photographer of the Year Winners Revealed

London‘s Natural History Museum has announced the winners of the 2024 Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition, selecting from a record-breaking 59,228 entries submitted from 117 countries. The winners were honored at a ceremony held on October 9, 2024, marking the 60th anniversary of the prestigious event.

The competition features 18 categories, including “The Bigger Picture” and “Animals in Their Environment.” This year’s grand title of Wildlife Photographer of the Year was awarded to Canadian marine conservation photojournalist Shane Gross, recognized for his photograph titled “The Swarm of Life.” Gross’s image captures Western toad tadpoles among lily pads in Cedar Lake, Vancouver Island, British Columbia.

Doug Gurr, Director of the Natural History Museum, emphasized the role of the contest in promoting wildlife conservation efforts. “These photographs encourage further conservation efforts and inspire real advocacy for our planet on a global scale,” Gurr stated. The captivating images not only showcase wildlife but highlight critical environmental issues threatening species globally.

The competition’s Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year was awarded to Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas of Germany for his striking image “Life Under Dead Wood,” focusing on slime mold and springtails.

Among other winners, Karine Aigner was recognized in the “Amphibians and Reptiles Behavior” category for her photo “Wetland Wrestle,” depicting an encounter between an anaconda and a yacare caiman in Brazil. Igor Metelskiy won in the “Animals in their Environment” category with “Frontier of the Lynx,” capturing a lynx stretch in the wilderness.

The exhibition of winning images is set to open at the Natural History Museum on Friday, running through June, and will tour internationally across Europe, Canada, and Australia.

Throughout its history, the Wildlife Photographer of the Year contest has highlighted the beauty and fragility of the natural world. This year, it continues to serve as a platform for environmental awareness and education.