The public is being invited to cast their votes for a favourite nature photograph from a remarkable shortlist unveiled for the Wildlife Photographer of the Year award. This year's selection for the Nuveen People's Choice Award features a diverse array of 24 images, described as "truly exceptional" by organisers, showcasing everything from majestic wildlife to poignant environmental stories.
Diverse Shortlist Highlights Natural World and Its Challenges
A polar bear family resting in the summer heat, flamingos positioned beneath power lines, and a sloth sheltering its baby from rainfall are among the captivating scenes up for public selection. The shortlist also includes a juvenile swimming crab hitching a nighttime ride on a jellyfish, a pangolin pup in a rescue centre, and a bear taking refuge in a furnace with a butterfly perched on its nose.
Images Documenting Wildlife Behaviour and Conservation Issues
Further standout entries feature a "superpod" of spinner dolphins, a massive pile of confiscated snares from a Ugandan national park, and young bear cubs play-fighting on a road, silhouetted against the glow of car headlights. These photographs not only document fascinating animal behaviours but also highlight critical threats facing the natural world, such as poaching and habitat disruption.
Selection from Thousands of Global Entries
The 24 shortlisted images have been carefully chosen from over 60,000 entries submitted to the annual Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. This selection is in addition to the 100 winning images that were announced back in October, making the People's Choice Award a unique opportunity for public engagement with world-class nature photography.
Call to Action from Natural History Museum Director
Dr Douglas Gurr, director of the Natural History Museum in London, emphasised the global appeal of the vote, stating: "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." He 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 to Vote and Key Dates
Voting is open to people anywhere in the world through online platforms or via digital screens at the exhibition hosted at the Natural History Museum. The public has until the announcement date to make their choice, with the winning entry and four runners-up set to be revealed on March 25. These selected photographs will then be prominently showcased at the museum's flagship exhibition, offering a glimpse into the public's preferred portrayal of nature and conservation.
