A polar bear playfully fetches a stick within the waters of Svalbard, Norway. It’s a second of levity for an animal higher recognized for his or her imposing tendencies. Photographer Tom Nickels watched the scene from a protected distance on a ship and snapped a charming picture (seen above) of the second.
Nickels’ {photograph} took gold within the Conduct-Mammals class on the 2025 World Nature Images Awards. This 12 months’s competitors drew hundreds entries from 48 international locations spanning six continents.
Olive ridley sea turtle in Kasait, Timor Leste
Gold, Underwater
“This picture captures a poignant second as a younger olive ridley sea turtle embarks on its delicate journey into the huge open ocean at Kasait, Timor Leste. Sea turtles, recognized within the native language Tetum as ‘Lenuk Tasi’, return to the very seashores the place they as soon as hatched to put their very own eggs. Sadly, these fragile nests face quite a few threats, from pure predators to human actions. But, even when hatchlings make it to the ocean, solely an estimated one in 1,000 to 10,000 survives to maturity. This picture was made attainable by the turtle conservation group known as ‘Lenuk Tasi’, led by marine science college students from Dili, whose dedication helps shield these unbelievable creatures.”
Credit score: Daniel Flormann / World Nature Photographer Awards Daniel Flormann
Maruša Puhek of Slovenia took prime honors for a stark picture (seen beneath) of deer sprinting via a snowy winery.
Gold, Nature Artwork and Total Winner
“This picture was a part of my 366 undertaking, after I captured one picture day by day and carried my digicam all over the place. It was a snowy day and I solely had a wide-angle lens with me after I noticed two deer working via the snowy winery. I took a couple of photographs, pissed off that I didn’t have a telephoto lens with me. Solely later, whereas modifying, did I realise how fortunate I used to be; the scene wasn’t overly zoomed in, permitting the snowy environment to stay an important a part of the composition.”
Credit score: Maruša Puhek / World Nature Photographer Awards
Marusa Puhek
“As at all times, it’s such a thrill to witness the superb calibre of entries into the awards,” mentioned Adrian Dinsdale, co-founder of the WNPAs. “Seeing these photos can not fail to encourage one to do every little thing to guard this fragile planet of ours.We provide our heartfelt congratulations to all of the winners.”
Prints of the successful photos could be bought within the World Nature Images Awards retailer.
A fox in Lac La Biche, Alberta, Canada.
Bronze, Animal Conduct
Credit score: Donna Feldichuk / World Nature Photographer Awards Donna Feledichuk
Male hippos in Mana Swimming pools, Zimbabwe.
Silver, Animal Conduct
Credit score: Jonathan Hodgetts / World Nature Photographer Awards
Laternflies in Danum Valley, Sabah, Malaysia.
Gold, Animal Portraits
“This charming macro {photograph} showcases two brilliantly colored lanternflies, their our bodies adorned with a symphony of vibrant greens, oranges, and yellows. Perched on the textured bark of a tree, these bugs appear to glow towards the darkish background.”
Credit score: Khaichuin Sim / World Nature Photographer Awards Khaichuin Sim
Guinea fowl in Tanzania
Bronze, Animal Portraits
Credit score: Ngar Shun Victor Wong / World Nature Photographer Awards
Feminine agama lizard in Serengeti, Tanzania
Silver, Behaviour – Amphibians and reptiles
Credit score: Jules Oldroyd / World Nature Photographer Awards
Namib sand gecko in Walvis Bay, Namibia
Bronze, Behaviour – Amphibians and reptiles
Credit score: Marti Phillips / World Nature Photographer Awards Marti Phillips
Two white-cheeked terns in Kubbar Island, Kuwait
Bronze, Conduct – Birds
Credit score: Mohammad Murad / World Nature Photographer Awards
Robber fly in Belgium
Gold, Conduct – Invertebrates
“Generally, probably the most compelling tales unfold within the background, away from the place our focus initially lies. I used to be photographing one other topic within the backyard in Belgium when, out of the nook of my eye, I noticed a robber fly. Close by, a spider lurked ominously, and I couldn’t assist however marvel—what if the spider ensnared the fly in its internet? Intrigued, I made a decision to remain and watch. For the subsequent half-hour, I noticed nature’s quiet drama. Lastly, the spider made its transfer, and I captured the second.”
Credit score: Niki Colemont / World Nature Photographer Awards
Sea turtle in Abu Dabbab, Egypt
Silver, Underwater
Credit score: Sina Ritter / World Nature Photographer Awards
Gold, City Wildlife
Male pin-tailed whydah in Mandinari, Gambia
“In probably the most unlikely of locations, the place the grit of human business meets the grace of nature, lies a narrative of resilience and coexistence. This picture captures the hanging distinction between a colossal gas depot in Mandinari, Gambia, and a male Pin-tailed Whydah in full breeding plumage. Taken throughout an October journey, this second is especially particular because the hen will quickly bear transformation right into a extra brown, drab plumage. Throughout the breeding season, coinciding with the wet season in West Africa, I get pleasure from capturing this type of images as an example the connection between humanity and nature. Gambia holds a particular place in my coronary heart, as I run two journeys a 12 months there. I might love for this picture to attach with folks and encourage them to discover birding in Gambia, serving to to spice up eco-tourism on this stunning area.”
Credit score: Benjamin Smail / World Nature Photographer Awards Benjamin Smail
Silver, City Wildlife
Nice gray owl in California, USA
Credit score: Elizabeth Yicheng Shen / World Nature Photographer Awards Elizabeth Yicheng Shen
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