A rescued elephant, a camouflaged owl, a perfectly timed egret: These are the most stunning wildlife photos of the week

Wildlife photography serves as a form of self-care for many observers, with some particularly impressive images emerging this week. A great egret skillfully capturing a fish mid-catch is one such photograph, brilliantly timed by Ronen Tivony. Utilizing a Sony A9 II camera and a 400mm lens, Tivony managed to freeze the action with a shutter speed of 1/1600 second, showcasing the egret's acrobatics in crystal-clear detail.

Another photograph captures a striking scene of a tree filled with birds against a vibrant rainbow backdrop. This image, taken in Delray Beach, Florida, features Anhinga birds and a Boat-tailed Grackle against the colorful display, captured by Bruce Bennett with a Canon EOS R5 Mark II and an RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM lens.

Camouflaged wildlife is a challenge for photographers, but Alper Tuydes managed to capture a long-eared owl sitting subtly within the crevices of a fallen tree trunk in Bursa, Turkiye. The owl's feathers blend harmoniously with the tree's texture, creating an almost surreal effect.

Paul Sawyer's photograph presents a more colorful subject, featuring a great tit amidst a canvas of vibrant leaves and mushrooms. The great tit, a small songbird, beautifully contrasts against the natural backdrop, with the photograph taken in Suffolk, England, in October.

Finally, a heartwarming tale of animal rescue takes center stage with the story of Julie, a 45-year-old elephant. Once part of a circus in Portugal, Julie has found sanctuary at Pangea, a 400-hectare wildlife refuge in Vila Viçosa. Photographer Patricia De Melo Moreria captured this poignant image of Julie's new life, symbolizing hope and rehabilitation for rescued animals.