From an Elephant Carrying its Dead Calf to a Coyote Surveying San Francisco, See the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Winners

The Natural History Museum in London has announced the winners of the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition for 2026. Federico Veronesi, an Italian wildlife photographer, has clinched the title with a compelling black-and-white photograph of an elephant carrying a deceased calf, taken in the Huab River Valley, Namibia. This poignant image, named “The Aftermath,” encapsulates the tragic realities of wildlife, showcasing the depth of emotional experiences within the animal kingdom.

Veronesi captured the photograph while tracking elephants after noticing unusual drag marks in the dry riverbed. Initially believing the calf to be the elephant’s own, researchers later clarified that the female had lost her calf years prior and had been gathering deceased calves from other mothers. “Of all the 20 years I’ve spent photographing animals, this is the most heart-wrenching and fascinating,” Veronesi remarked. He regards this image as a reflection of the complex emotions felt within the animal world.

Kathy Moran, the Chair of the competition, praised the photograph for its emotional weight and intellectual significance. She stated, “This photograph works on so many levels. Emotionally, it’s a gut punch; heartbreakingly poignant. Intellectually, it’s proof that animals possess cognition.” The image clearly resonates with viewers, calling attention to the connectivity of life and loss in the wild.

Alongside Veronesi’s win, Oscar Whitfield, a young British photographer, received the title of Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year for his striking image of a dung beetle titled “Labour of Love.” The photograph, which captures the beetle at eye level in the Zambezi National Park, showcases the insect as it diligently pushes its dung along a dusty track.

Whitfield, who resides in Zimbabwe and took home the award for the 11-14 years category, expressed his gratitude on social media, acknowledging the recognition as an unexpected achievement in his budding career. He commented on the importance of wildlife photography in his life and thanked those who have supported him.

In a notable first for the competition’s 62-year history, both the adult and young category winners were awarded for black-and-white images, underscoring the striking power of monochrome photography in capturing wildlife narratives. The winners’ photographs will be featured in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026 exhibition opening on Friday, 16th October, at the Natural History Museum. This exhibition will highlight a variety of winning entries across other categories, including underwater wildlife, urban creatures, and mammal behaviour.

Another notable accolade was awarded to Loren Elliott, who achieved the Photojournalist Story Award for his evocative image of a coyote in San Francisco. Titled “Wily Coyotes of San Francisco,” Elliott’s photograph shows the coyote in Bernal Heights Park, part of a pack hunting for rodents. This portrayal brings attention to the adaptability of wildlife in urban environments, capturing an intimate moment in the life of the city’s resident coyotes.

The Rising Star Award was given to Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas for his graphic photograph of a robber fly attacking a flesh fly in Germany. Tinker-Tsavalas’ image provides a close-up view of the predator-prey dynamic, illustrating the brutality of nature through a detailed visual narrative.

James Lewin triumphed in the Animals in Their Environment category, capturing a young bull elephant at a waterhole in Chyulu Hills National Park, Kenya. His use of infrared photography allowed for a unique portrayal of the harsh sunlight, highlighting the fascinating interaction between the elephants and the local zebras.

As the annual competition continues to celebrate exceptional photography and wildlife awareness, the works of these talented photographers shine a light on the beauty and challenges faced by the natural world, prompting both reflection and appreciation for wildlife conservation.