If you love animals, weird moments in nature, or just stunning photography, now’s your chance to have a say.
The Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition has unveiled a shortlist of 24 incredible images for the Nuveen People’s Choice Award, and the public can vote from anywhere in the world.
A Stunning Line-Up of Nature’s Wonders
The shortlist reads like a nature documentary in still life.
There’s a juvenile swimming crab hitching a ride on a jellyfish under the cover of night, a pangolin pup being cared for in a rescue centre, and a bear taking shelter from the rain with a butterfly perched delicately on its nose.
You’ll also find polar bear families lounging in summer heat and young kestrels nervously preparing to take flight.
And the list doesn’t stop at cute or dramatic animal portraits.
There’s a “superpod” of spinner dolphins moving in unison, a mountain of snares confiscated from a Ugandan national park, and bear cubs play-fighting in a road, silhouetted by car headlights.
Each image tells a story about wildlife — some heartwarming, some shocking, all extraordinary.
From Thousands of Entries to the Public’s Choice
These 24 images were selected from over 60,000 entries submitted to the annual competition.
They complement the 100 official winners announced in October, adding even more depth and perspective to the Natural History Museum’s showcase.
Dr. Douglas Gurr, director of the museum, highlighted that the public vote is more than just a popularity contest: “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.”
How to Cast Your Vote
Voting is easy and flexible. You can make your pick in person on digital screens at the Natural History Museum in London, or from your own device online, wherever you are.
Every vote counts, and the excitement builds as everyone wonders which photo will capture the hearts of the public.
Winners to Be Celebrated in March
The winning photograph and four runners-up will be announced on March 25.
All five will be displayed in the museum’s exhibition, giving the public a chance to see the images in all their glory and to appreciate the skill, patience, and storytelling that went into capturing them.
More Than Just Pretty Pictures
These photographs are more than just beautiful snapshots; they document behaviour, highlight conservation challenges, and sometimes even expose human impact on wildlife.
From intimate moments to dramatic scenes, the images connect people to the natural world in ways words often cannot.
So whether you’re fascinated by a tiny crab hitching a lift or moved by the story of a pangolin pup, now is your chance to weigh in and help decide which wildlife moment will become the public favourite this year.
