The Natural History Museum has revealed the winners of Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026, chosen from 65,403 entries across 121 countries and territories. The exhibition of winning and highly commended photographs opens on Friday 16 October 2026.
Italian wildlife photographer Federico Veronesi has claimed the title of Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026 for his image The Aftermath, which shows a female elephant carrying a deceased calf in Huab River Valley, Namibia.
Kathy Moran, Chair of the jury, said: "This photograph works on so many levels. Emotionally it's a gut punch, heartbreakingly poignant. Intellectually it's proof that animals have cognition. This photograph says it all!"
Oscar Whitfield has been named Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year for Labour of Love, which captures a dung beetle pushing its cargo using a fast shutter speed and high light sensitivity.
For the first time in the competition's history, both the adult and young overall winners have been recognised for black-and-white photography.
The exhibition runs from 16 October 2026 to 11 July 2027 and will subsequently embark on a global tour.