The National History Museum in London announced the winners of their annual Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. The winner in the youth competition, the Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year, is Daniël Nelson of the Netherlands. The 16-year-old, who is a professional wildlife photographer, entered this portrait of nine-year old Caco the gorilla. Lewis Blackwell, Chair of the jury, said,
‘This is a lovely moment, combining careful and protracted observation of an animal in its habitat with an eye for compelling composition. Our eyes move through the image, from the face to the hand on the breadfruit and back again. The photo takes us right into the life of the young gorilla called Caco and makes us curious to understand his day. Images this good can help inspire and educate, and may perhaps help save this critically endangered species.’
The overall winner of the adult division is too graphic to show here. Brent Stirton of South Africa won for his photograph of a rhino that was a victim of poachers who took its horn. You can see it here. On a more lighthearted note, check out Marcio Cabral's photo of a Brazilian giant anteater. It won first place in the "Animals in their Environment" category.
There are winners in several categories and age groups. You can see them all at the contest website, in the gallery of adult winners and youth winners. -via Digg