An Italian photographer has been honored with the top prize in this year’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition for his captivating image of a mother elephant carrying her deceased calf. Federico Veronesi’s photograph titled “The Aftermath” was taken in Namibia’s Huab River Valley, where he observed a heart-wrenching scene of the grieving elephant mother with her calf’s remains.
Kathy Moran, who chaired the jury for the 2026 contest, praised the photo for its emotional impact and intellectual depth, stating that it resonated on multiple levels by revealing animals’ cognitive abilities. The winning image not only clinched the grand award but also triumphed in the Behavior: Mammals category.
The Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition, organized by the Natural History Museum in London, aims to share narratives from nature and highlight pressing environmental issues. This year’s 62nd edition attracted a remarkable 65,403 entries from 121 different countries and territories.
Alongside the adult photographer accolade, the competition also recognizes the talent of young photographers under 18. The Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year title was awarded to Oscar Whitfield, a British photographer with roots in Zimbabwe. His winning photograph depicts a dung beetle diligently rolling a ball of dung, showcasing his keen eye for capturing nature’s wonders.
While no Canadian photographers secured top spots this year, Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas, a Canadian citizen residing in Germany, received the Rising Star Award for his exceptional work. His featured image, titled “Afternoon Snack,” portrays a robber fly preying on a flesh fly, illustrating the intricate dynamics of predator-prey relationships in the wild.
The Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition will feature a selection of remarkable photographs, including the work of highly commended Canadian photographers. The showcase will be on display at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto and the Royal B.C. Museum in Victoria, offering visitors a chance to marvel at the awe-inspiring images captured by talented photographers from around the world.
In addition to the winners, other notable category champions include Amelie Davis from the U.K., Anton Sorokin from the U.S., Agorastos Papatsanis from Greece, and James Lewin from Kenya, each celebrated for their striking images capturing diverse aspects of the natural world.