The Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition has revealed its top 100 selections after reviewing more than 65,000 submissions from photographers representing 121 countries. The shortlist highlights the scale, diversity, and technical range of contemporary wildlife photography.
This year's finalists span categories including animal behavior, portraits, photojournalism, and ocean life. The images capture moments of cooperation between species, intimate family scenes, and the complex relationship between wildlife and human activity.
Among the standout entries are an oxpecker cleaning a rhino's skin in South Africa, an adult orca supporting a calf in Norwegian waters, and a polar bear observed through the ice in a striking Arctic frame. Other shortlisted works include a bird-and-rhino interaction, a dramatic bird flock over Kenya, and a young photographer's image of a swift near Heathrow Airport.
The selection also reflects the breadth of the natural world, from insects and amphibians to marine life and large mammals. Each frame turns observation into visual storytelling, showing how wildlife photography can combine artistry, patience, and environmental awareness.
Winners will be announced on October 13, while the exhibition opens at London's Natural History Museum on October 16 and runs through July 11, 2027. The shortlist points to a future where photography continues to deepen public connection with the natural world.
