An Italian photographer has been awarded the top prize in this year’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition for his striking image of a grieving mother elephant tenderly carrying her deceased calf. The winning photo, titled “The Aftermath,” was taken by Federico Veronesi during his observation of elephants in Namibia’s Huab River Valley. The photograph captured the emotional moment when an adult female elephant was seen with a calf’s leg caught between her tusk and trunk, leaving a poignant impression on the viewer.
Kathy Moran, the chair of the 2026 competition jury, praised the winning image for its multi-dimensional impact, describing it as a powerful testament to animal cognition and a deeply moving portrayal of loss. Apart from winning the grand prize, the photograph also claimed the top spot in the Behavior: Mammals category.
The Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition, organized by the Natural History Museum in London, aims to raise awareness about environmental issues and share the captivating narratives of nature. This year marked the 62nd edition of the event, attracting a record 65,403 entries from 121 countries and territories. The competition honors both adult and young photographers, with the Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year title going to Oscar Whitfield, a talented British photographer with a passion for capturing wildlife scenes.
One of the notable mentions was Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas, a Canadian citizen residing in Germany, who received the Rising Star Award for his captivating photograph titled “Afternoon Snack,” showcasing a robber fly preying on a flesh fly with mesmerizing detail. While there were no Canadian category winners this year, the exhibition will feature outstanding works by Canadian photographers, including Shane Gross, winner of the 2024 competition.
The award-winning photographs will be displayed at various locations, including the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto and the Royal B.C. Museum in Victoria. The exhibition will kick off at the Natural History Museum in London this Friday, offering visitors a glimpse into the remarkable world of wildlife captured through the lenses of talented photographers from around the globe.