Elephant Grief Photo Tops Record-Breaking 2026 Wildlife Awards
Italian photographer Federico Veronesi won the 2026 Wildlife Photographer of the Year with 'The Aftermath,' a black-and-white image of a female elephant carrying a dead calf in Namibia. The competition, run by London's Natural History Museum, received a record 65,403 entries from 121 countries. The winning image highlights complex animal emotions and has sparked debate on elephant grief and conservation needs.
Key points
- Federico Veronesi won the overall prize with 'The Aftermath,' depicting an elephant carrying a deceased calf in Namibia's Huab River Valley.
- The 62nd edition of the competition received a record 65,403 entries from 121 countries and territories.
- The youth category was won by Oscar Whitfield for 'Labour of Love,' a shot of a dung beetle in Zimbabwe.
- An exhibition of the winning images opens at the Natural History Museum in London on October 16, 2026.
- The image is interpreted as evidence of complex animal cognition and potential grief, though the elephant was not the calf's mother.
Background
This marks the 62nd year of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition, which has long used photography to highlight the importance of protecting the natural world. Recent years have seen similar awards for ocean and astronomy photography, but this year's focus on animal behavior and emotion stands out.
How outlets are covering it
National Geographic and The Guardian emphasize the artistic and emotional impact of the winning image, noting its power to change public perception of animals. The BBC provides a deeper scientific context, revealing that the elephant was not the mother of the calf but had lost her own calf two years prior, suggesting a complex emotional response. Positive News focuses on the record-breaking number of entries and the broader message of conservation. All sources agree on the significance of the image but differ in their emphasis on the scientific interpretation versus the emotional impact.
Why it matters
The winning image underscores the complex emotional lives of animals and the importance of conservation. It highlights the need to protect species like Namibia's desert elephants, which are facing declining populations due to human conflict and environmental stress. The image serves as a powerful tool for raising awareness and inspiring action for animal welfare.
What to watch
The exhibition of the winning images will open at the Natural History Museum in London on October 16, 2026, and run until July 2027. Conservation efforts for Namibia's desert elephants will continue, with ongoing research into the impact of environmental stress and human conflict on their population.
- Wildlife photographer of the year 2026, the winning images Positive News
- 16 Striking Photos From This Year’s Best Wildlife Photographers National Geographic
- Wildlife photographer of the year 2026 winners – in pictures The Guardian
- 'A window into its soul': The rare elephant behaviour that reveals the depths of their emotions BBC
- Incredible winning images from Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026 CNN
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