Eerie Photo of Rare Hyena Wins Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2025 Prize

Eerie Photo of Rare Hyena Wins Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2025 Prize

In a striking revelation, an eerie photograph of a rare hyena has earned South African photographer Wim van den Heever the prestigious title of Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2025. The coveted award is conferred by the Natural History Museum in London and recognises photographers for their originality, technical expertise, and creativity. Van den Heever’s captivating image, titled “Ghost Town Visitor,” portrays a brown hyena wandering through the desolate remains of Kolmanskop, an abandoned diamond mining town in Namibia where nature has taken over deserted human settlements.

Amid an overwhelming 60,636 submissions from 113 countries and territories, Van den Heever’s photograph stood out for its haunting portrayal of how wildlife reclaims spaces once inhabited by humans. The image, captured using camera trap technology after a decade of dedication, exemplifies the gradual harmony between nature and deserted human territories.

The brown hyena, a rare species known for its nocturnal and solitary habits, scavenges along Namibia’s coast for seal pups or carrion. Kathy Moran, the chair of the competition’s jury, remarked on the perfect synergy of the photograph being taken in a ghost town, where wildlife has triumphantly reclaimed its habitat from human intrusion. The photograph evokes a sense of loss, resilience, and the silent victory of the natural world over abandoned human civilization.

Acknowledging the photographer’s emotional rendition of the wild reclaiming human territories, fellow juror Akanksha Sood Singh noted the eerie juxtaposition depicted in the image, portraying the subtle interplay of loss, resilience, and nature’s quiet triumph. The award not only celebrates the artistic excellence of the photograph but also highlights the profound narrative it encapsulates, resonating with viewers on multiple levels.

Alongside Van den Heever’s remarkable achievement, seventeen-year-old Andrea Dominizi from Italy made history by becoming the first Italian to win the Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year award. His poignant image, “After the Destruction,” captured in Italy’s Lepini Mountains, showcases a longhorn beetle perched on abandoned logging machinery, symbolising the intricate impact of deforestation on ecosystems.

Furthermore, Brazilian photographer Fernando Faciole was honoured with this year’s Impact Award for his photograph “Orphan of the Road.” The touching image portrays a giant anteater pup following its caregiver at a rehabilitation centre after losing its mother to a road collision, shedding light on the challenges faced by endangered species due to human interference.

This year’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition marks its 61st edition, underscoring its status as the foremost platform for showcasing nature photography on a global scale. The winning images across all 19 categories, ranging from underwater life to urban wildlife and photojournalism, will be displayed at the Natural History Museum in London starting from October 17 before embarking on a worldwide exhibition tour.

The esteemed panel of experts, spanning wildlife photography, filmmaking, conservation, and science, curated the winning photographs and the full selection for the 61st portfolio anonymously. The winners’ exceptional contributions not only captivate audiences but also provoke meaningful reflections on the delicate interplay between human activities and the natural world.

The awards reflect a poignant reminder of the urgent need to preserve wildlife, protect fragile ecosystems, and forge a harmonious coexistence with nature. As the photographs transport viewers into the heart of untamed wilderness and human-altered landscapes, they serve as powerful catalysts for conservation efforts and environmental stewardship.

In conclusion, the Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2025 award ceremony celebrates the artistry, dedication, and storytelling prowess of photographers worldwide, inviting audiences to contemplate the intricate balance between humans and the natural world. Through breathtaking visuals and compelling narratives, the award-winning images inspire awe, reverence, and a renewed commitment to safeguarding Earth’s rich biodiversity for future generations.