A single photograph has captured the hearts of thousands, earning the top prize at this year’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year—People’s Choice Award.
The winning shot? A breathtaking image of a young polar bear curling up for a nap on an iceberg, taken by British amateur photographer Nima Sarikhani. Out of 25 shortlisted entries, this photo stood out, receiving an overwhelming 75,000 votes from nature lovers and photography enthusiasts alike.
Sarikhani was thrilled by the recognition, calling it an honor to win such a prestigious award. But beyond the beauty of the image, he hopes it sends a powerful message.
“This photograph has stirred strong emotions in many who have seen it,” Sarikhani shared. “Climate change is the biggest challenge we face, but I hope this image also inspires hope. Polar bears are incredibly adaptable, and in some areas, their numbers are even increasing. There’s still time to fix the mess we’ve caused.”
Dr. Douglas Gurr, director of the Natural History Museum—organizer of the competition—also praised the image for its deeper meaning. “Nima’s breathtaking and poignant photograph allows us to see both the beauty and fragility of our planet. It serves as a stark reminder of the bond between animals and their habitats and the devastating effects of climate change.”
The Story Behind the Shot
Sarikhani captured this unforgettable moment while exploring Norway’s Svalbard archipelago in the Arctic Ocean. He had been searching for polar bears when he spotted a young male climbing onto a small iceberg. The bear carefully scraped away some of the ice, crafting a perfect bed for himself before drifting off to sleep.
The image quickly went viral after Sarikhani shared it on Instagram, with thousands of users expressing their admiration.
“Huge congratulations @nsarikhani—such a beautiful photograph!! Extremely well deserved,” one user commented. Another added, “This is the only real winner. It carries so much emotion and meaning about the polar bear’s fragile ecosystem.”
Many were so captivated by the image that they even asked if they could purchase copies.
Other Stunning Finalists
While Sarikhani’s photo stole the spotlight, several other images were strong contenders. Fan favorites included a heartwarming shot of two lionesses grooming a cub, a mesmerizing display of moon jellyfish glowing under the northern lights, and a dramatic moment between a pond turtle and a dragonfly.
But in the end, there could only be one winner—congratulations to Nima Sarikhani for capturing a moment of pure beauty and emotion that will be remembered for years to come!
Would you hang this breathtaking photo on your wall? Let us know in the comments!
