Some wildlife photographs do more than document a moment—they change how we understand the living world. The latest Positive news ireland readers can discover through global coverage of nature celebrates images that capture grief, resilience and the extraordinary work of creatures often overlooked.
The Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026 competition has recognised photographs that explore animal behaviour while highlighting why conservation matters. Organised by London’s Natural History Museum, the 62nd edition attracted a record 65,403 entries from 121 countries and territories.
A moving overall winner
Italian photographer Federico Veronesi won the overall title with The Aftermath, a black-and-white photograph taken in Namibia’s Huab River Valley. The image shows a female elephant carrying her dead calf, offering a rare and deeply affecting glimpse into elephant behaviour.
The photograph prompted reflection on animal cognition and the possibility that elephants experience forms of grief. Kathy Moran, chair of the judging panel, described the image as emotionally devastating while also praising its intellectual significance.
Rather than presenting wildlife as distant or unfamiliar, the winning photograph encourages viewers to consider the emotional and social lives of animals. That ability to create empathy is one reason nature photography remains such an important part of positive stories world coverage.
Young photographer celebrates the work of a dung beetle
The youth category was won by British photographer Oscar Whitfield, who lives in Zimbabwe. His image, Labour of Love, follows a dung beetle pushing a ball across dusty ground.
The photograph turns an everyday act into a study of effort and persistence. It also reminds audiences that even small insects contribute to healthy ecosystems. By focusing attention on a creature that is easy to ignore, the image reflects the wider purpose of the competition: to deepen understanding of the natural world.
A landmark year for black-and-white photography
For the first time in the competition’s history, both the adult and youth overall winners were recognised for black-and-white images. The choice gives both photographs a timeless quality, placing emphasis on form, movement, texture and emotion rather than colour.
Natural History Museum director Dr Doug Gurr said the winning photographs show how powerfully wildlife photography can encourage people to see nature differently. He also stressed that every species has a role within the complex web of life.
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Why wildlife photography matters
Wildlife photography can make conservation issues accessible to a broad audience. A single frame may encourage people to learn about habitats, support responsible tourism or understand the pressures facing endangered species.
These awards also show the value of patient observation. From an elephant’s solemn journey to a beetle’s determined labour, the selected images reveal that nature is filled with complex behaviour and compelling stories.
An exhibition of the winning images is scheduled to open at the Natural History Museum on Friday 16 October. Visitors will be able to experience the photographs together and consider the many ways artists and scientists help communicate the importance of protecting wildlife.
A powerful reminder from the natural world
This year’s competition offers more than beautiful pictures. It presents evidence of connection, intelligence and persistence across the animal kingdom. For anyone seeking a thoughtful positive news digest, these images provide a hopeful reminder: understanding nature more deeply is an essential first step towards protecting it. That is the enduring value of Positive news ireland and daily positive news that brings meaningful progress into view.
