An aerial shot of a family of polar bears, a compelling capture of a sika deer with antlers dressed in the rotting remains of its vanquished foe, and a photo the gives us a rare look at a pangolin pup are all among the 24 shortlisted images in the Natural History Museum's Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026 People's Choice Award. It's a collection that spotlights the splendour of the natural world while also highlighting the threats our planet faces and underpins the importance of protecting wild species and spaces. And you get to choose the winner.
Image © Christopher Paetkau / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
The shortlisted images were chosen from 60,636 entries from 113 countries and territories, in addition to the 100 winning images announced in October 2025. A judging panel of international experts scrutinised the entries to produce a shortlist that is captivating, enlightening and, in some cases, truly heartbreaking.
“No matter where you are in the world, it’s time to join the jury and vote in the Nuveen People’s Choice Award to select the photograph set for display in our flagship exhibition here at the Natural History Museum," says Dr Douglas Gurr, Director of the Natural History Museum, London. "Whether showcasing fascinating behaviour or platforming a powerful story, this year's selection of images is truly exceptional, and we can't wait to see which one will be chosen as the public's favourite!”
You can vote for their favourite image online or via digital screens in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition at the Natural History Museum, London. Voting closes on Wednesday 18 March 2026.
To view the full collection and vote online, visit the Wildlife Photographer of the Year website.
Image © Josef Stefan / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Image © Daniela Anger / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Image © Lalith Ekanayake / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Image © Dustin Chen / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Image © Lior Berman / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Image © Prasenjeet Yadav / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Image © Joseph Ferraro / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Image © Ponlawat Thaipinnarong / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Image © Alexandre Brisson / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Image © Peter Lindel / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Image © Chris Gug / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Image © Charles Davis / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Image © Lance van de Vyver / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Image © Cecile Gabillon / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Image © Nima Sarikhani / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Image © Kohei Nagira / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Image © Dvir Barkay / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Wildlife Photographer of the Year is developed and produced by the Natural History Museum, London
Natural World
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