Elephant Image Wins 2026 Wildlife Photographer of the Year

A poignant capture of a female elephant carrying her deceased calf has been crowned the overall winner of the 2026 Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. The photograph, titled “The Aftermath” and captured in Namibia by Italian photographer Federico Veronesi, stood out among a record-breaking 65,403 entries submitted from 121 different countries and territories. “This photograph works on so many levels.

Kathy Moran, who chaired the competition’s jury, described the image as a “gut punch” that is both heartbreakingly poignant and intellectually significant. She noted that the work serves as evidence of animal cognition. The Natural History Museum, which organizes the event, officially announced the results on Tuesday, marking the start of a new chapter for the annual exhibition.

In the youth category, Oscar Whitfield earned the title of Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year for his work titled “Labour of Love.” His entry features a dung beetle in motion, a shot he achieved by lying flat against the ground to capture the insect at eye level. Jury member Jasper Doest praised the technical skill required to document such a small, active subject, noting that the image intentionally illustrates the hidden dependencies within natural life cycles. “The composition reveals an entire story and by doing so the photograph quietly reveals how life cycles depend on what we often overlook or dismiss,” Doest added.

The competition’s diverse range of winners will be displayed in an upcoming exhibition scheduled to open on October 16 at the Natural History Museum in London. Doug Gurr, the director of the museum, emphasized that the collection showcases how photography can shift human perspectives on nature.

Gurr further stated that these winning images serve as a collective reminder of the unique role every species occupies within the intricate web of life. He added that the competition underscores the urgent necessity of understanding and safeguarding the natural world for the future.