The big winner

Photography fans, the vibes are immaculate this year. The title of Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026 has been snagged by Italian photographer Federico Veronesi, and it’s giving major feels. His winning shot captures an emotional moment in Namibia’s Huab River Valley where a female elephant is carrying a dead calf.

While he originally thought he was documenting a mother grieving her offspring, later research suggested this elephant was actually a female who had previously picked up deceased calves from other members of the herd. Veronesi, who has been at this for 20 years, called the experience "heart-wrecking and fascinating," noting that it offers a glimpse into the complex emotions animals feel. Real talk: it’s a reminder that nature is way deeper than we often give it credit for.

The talent is everywhere

This year’s entries prove you don't need a massive rig to snap a banger. One photographer, Davis, snagged a winning shot of a common carder bumblebee using nothing but her dad's smartphone.

Other highlights include:

  • Dung beetle grit: Whitfield captured a dung beetle pushing a massive ball of dung uphill in Zimbabwe, showing the insane strength these little guys have.
  • Octopus sighting: As sea temperatures rise, octopuses are hanging out more in south-west England, leading to a stunning shot by Sanders of one peeking from behind kelp.
  • Eel romance: Wu managed to photograph the courtship ritual of Abbott’s moray eels for what is believed to be the first time, using red light to keep the vibes chill so he wouldn't disturb them.
  • Urban nature: From a lizard chilling against a city skyline to coyotes living in San Francisco, the collection highlights how wild life adapts to our human spaces.

Why it matters

These photos aren't just pretty to look at—they’re a window into the lives of animals as individuals. Whether it's the industrial impact on wetlands shown by Visbal or the illegal hunting of pumas in Argentina documented by Negroni, these images help us connect with the natural world. If you want to see them IRL, the exhibition at the Natural History Museum opens Friday, October 16, 2026.