{
  "id": 3564693,
  "title": "See 16 Stunning Animal Images From the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Awards",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/26/see-16-stunning-animal-images-from-the-wildlife-photographer-of-the",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-08-26T18:28:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Smithsonian",
    "slug": "smithsonian",
    "url": "https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/see-16-stunning-animal-images-from-the-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-awards-180989397/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The 62nd Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition, organized by the Natural History Museum in London, has unveiled a selection of 16 stunning images that showcase the beauty and struggle of the natural world. The full set of 100 winning images will be announced in October, but these selected photos offer a glimpse into the diverse subjects and themes captured by photographers from around the globe.\n\nThe competition received a record-breaking 65,403 entries from photographers in 121 countries and territories. The Natural History Museum’s mission, as stated by Kathy Moran, chair of the contest's jury, is to inspire a love of the natural world and create advocates for the planet.\n\nMany of the winning photographs highlight the darker aspects of animal life, such as habitat loss and the illegal wildlife trade. However, the contest also celebrates the everyday moments in nature that often go unnoticed, showcasing the intricate connections between various species.\n\nOne photograph, a young bullfrog's failed attempt to catch a butterfly, highlights the challenges faced by these creatures in their natural habitats. Another image, featuring a bear trained for a circus performance in Qatar, underscores the impact of human activities on wildlife.\n\nDespite the challenges, the competition also celebrates the beauty and complexity of nature, as seen in images of a school of bigeye trevally swimming near the coast of Seychelles, protected under a Marine Protected Area. This safe haven allows the vibrant fish population to thrive, benefiting both the ecosystem and local fishers.\n\nThe photographs also capture the resilience of animals in harsh environments, such as the Namib Desert chameleon, which has adapted to survive sandstorms through its ability to collect water droplets from the air. The image of a polar bear peeking through a hole in sea ice highlights the precarious balance between predators and prey, while also emphasizing the urgency of conservation efforts.\n\nThe Wildlife Photographer of the Year contest serves as a reminder of the beauty and fragility of our natural world, urging viewers to appreciate and protect it for future generations.",
  "summary": "Now in its 62nd year, the famed competition has released a sneak peek of the entries from this contest ahead of announcing the winners in October",
  "key_points": [
    "62nd Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition unveiled 16 stunning images",
    "65,403 entries from 121 countries and territories",
    "Highlights habitat loss, illegal wildlife trade, and everyday moments in nature"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}