The global public is being invited to cast their vote for a favourite nature photograph from a remarkable shortlist of 24 images, ranging from flamingos set against industrial power lines to a sloth mother sheltering her baby from the rain. This opportunity forms part of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year's prestigious Nuveen People's Choice Award, with online voting accessible to participants anywhere across the world.
A Truly Exceptional Selection of Nature Photography
A 'truly exceptional' line-up has been curated for this year's award, chosen from an astounding pool of more than 60,000 entries submitted to the annual competition. These images are in addition to the 100 winning photographs that were officially announced back in October, offering a further glimpse into the beauty and challenges of the natural world.
Highlights from the Diverse Shortlist
The shortlisted photographs capture a breathtaking array of wildlife moments and environmental narratives. Among the standout images are:
- A juvenile swimming crab hitching a nocturnal ride on a jellyfish.
- A pangolin pup nestled warmly in a blanket at a rescue centre in South Africa.
- A sun bear seeking refuge from rainfall inside a furnace in Thailand's Kaeng Krachan National Park, with a butterfly perched on its nose.
- A polar bear family resting peacefully during the summer heat.
- Young kestrels poised and preparing to fledge from their nest.
Further captivating entries include a 'superpod' of spinner dolphins herding lanternfish, a massive pile of confiscated snares from a Ugandan national park, and young bear cubs play-fighting on a quiet road in Canada, silhouetted by car headlights. Each photograph not only documents fascinating animal behaviour but also highlights the pressing threats facing our planet's ecosystems.
Global Stories Told Through the Lens
The shortlist showcases wildlife from every corner of the globe, telling powerful visual stories. Notable examples feature a brown-throated three-toed sloth mother cradling her young in the rain, a lynx in Spain playfully tossing a rodent, and a rare tiger with distinctive dark stripes wandering a reserve in India. Other images include a leucistic otter feeding in Brazil, a rufous-vented ground cuckoo in Costa Rica, and a marvellous spatuletail hummingbird displaying its long tail in Peru.
Museum Director Encourages Public Participation
Dr Douglas Gurr, Director of the Natural History Museum in London, emphasised the importance of public involvement. He stated: 'No matter where you are in the world, it's time to join the jury and vote in the Nuveen People's Choice Award to select the photograph set for display in our flagship exhibition here at the Natural History Museum.'
Dr Gurr added: 'Whether showcasing fascinating behaviour or platforming a powerful story, this year's selection of images is truly exceptional, and we can't wait to see which one will be chosen as the public's favourite.'
How and When to Vote
Voting is now open to the public through two convenient methods. Individuals can cast their vote either on the digital screens available at the exhibition within the Natural History Museum or conveniently online via the official website. The winning entry, along with four runners-up, will be formally announced on March 25th. The selected photographs will then be prominently showcased as part of the museum's flagship exhibition, allowing visitors to appreciate these stunning works of nature photography.
