The results of the 62nd Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition have officially been released, offering a deep look into animal behavior across changing global habitats. Photographer Federico Veronesi claimed the overall top prize and won the Behaviour: Mammals category with a powerful and emotional frame documenting an adult elephant carrying a dead calf in the Huab River Valley of Damaraland, Namibia. Shot using a Nikon Z8 and a 400mm f/2.8 lens, the image has been widely praised by contest judges for its raw depiction of animal cognition and grief. Kathy Moran, chair of the competition's jury, described the photograph as an emotional gut punch that serves as tangible proof of emotional depth in wildlife.
The winning portfolio spans 19 different adult and youth categories highlighting specific species, ecosystems, and conservation issues. Other notable winners include Francisco Negroni, who triumphed in the Photojournalism category with an image captured along Route 40 in Argentina, and Agorastos Papatsanis, who secured the Plants and Fungi award with a specialized UV light focus stack captured in Greece. In the Natural Artistry category, Michał Michalski used a deliberate slow shutter speed on a Nikon D500 to photograph goldfinches and bramblings, creating a visual illusion of autumn tree foliage.
The complete collection of winning photographs will be showcased to the public in a dedicated exhibition at the Natural History Museum in London. The exhibition runs from October 16, 2026, through July 11, 2027, with ticket prices varying by concession. Additionally, the accompanying book, Wildlife Photographer of the Year Portfolio 36, is scheduled for publication in mid-October to document the competition's best entries.
Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026 Winner Captures Elephant's Grief
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