Just a few months ago we found out who the best Wildlife Photographer of the year 2019 was and promptly congratulated Yongqing Bao with a well-deserved win. The professional photographer's winning picture titled “The Moment” showcases a young fox and a marmot in a moment of life and death. The hungry mother fox baring its teeth, the shock on the marmot’s face who just woke up from hibernation proved to be the best picture that won the recognition of the jury.
This time, the deciding factor in this photo contest is people and their votes. Wildlife Photographer of the Year contest just announced the 25 finalists of its LUMIX People's Choice Award and you can vote for the best wildlife photography shot. The Natural History Museum has handpicked a selection of photographs from all over the world that didn’t make it to the finals of the first competition and gave you the power to decide which one of these nature photos deserves the title of fan favorite.
The voting deadline is on Tuesday 4 February 2020, so you have plenty of time to think hard and decide. In the meanwhile, let’s take a look at the stunning photographs showcasing different aspects of wildlife. From wild animals hunting prey to animals in captivity, the images are a good reflection of the many aspects of our nature.
Bored Panda has reached out to a Museum spokesperson for additional information about the photography contest. They gladly answered some questions and gave additional insights. Turns out, this year's competition is 55th! "The competition attracts over 48,000 entries from 100 countries, highlighting its enduring appeal," they said.
#21 "Bon Appétit", Lucas Bustamante, Ecuador
Night hikes through the Ecuadorian jungle are one of Lucas’ favourite activities. With a keen interest in herpetology, he was overjoyed to spot this labiated rainfrog which are abundant in the region. It had just caught a baby tarantula and its comical expression said ‘caught in the act!’
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163points
#22 "Captive", Marcus Westberg, Sweden
A giant panda sits in its cage in a breeding centre in Shaanxi, China. With a growing wild population and no realistic plan of how to breed and raise pandas for rerelease into the wild rather than a life in captivity – not to mention lack of habitat being the largest barrier to the continued spread of the wild population – it is unclear how such centres will benefit the species.
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154points
#23 "A Pulsing Sea", David Doubilet, USA
A school of red tooth triggerfish form a cloud of silhouettes above a river of convict blennies flowing over the coral in Verde Island Passage, Philippines. The Passage, a strait that separates the islands of Luzon and Mindoro, is one of the most productive marine ecosystems in the world.
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151points
#24 "Meeting Place", Yaz Loukhal, France
After a rough journey by sea to the remote Snow Hill Island off the east coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, Yaz flew by helicopter and then trekked through thick snow to reach the emperor penguin colony. His efforts were rewarded with this incredible view of the whole colony.
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121points
#25 "Losing The Fight", Aaron Gekoski, UK
Orangutans have been used in degrading performances at Safari World, Bangkok – and many other locations – for decades. The shows were temporarily stopped in 2004 due to international pressure, but today the shows continue – twice a day, every day – with hundreds of people paying to watch the orangutans box, dance, play the drums and more.
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28points