An image of a slumbering
polar bear
curled up on an iceberg has been selected as the winner of this year's
Wildlife Photographer of the Year People's Choice Award
.
The image, titled "
Ice Bed
," was captured by British
amateur photographer
Nima Sarikhani in Norway's Svalbard archipelago.
Calling the winning an award an honour, Sarikhani said that the image “stirred strong emotions,” such as hope, in those who saw it.
He also emphasized the importance of addressing climate change, stating that there is still time to rectify the damage we have caused.
The competition received an overwhelming response, with over 75,000 people participating in the voting process - a record-breaking number. Out of the 50,000 entries, "Ice Bed" was selected from a shortlist of 25 images.
The Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition is curated by the Natural History Museum in London. Douglas Gurr, director of the Natural History Museum, described the winning shot as “poignant” and “breathtaking.”
The “thought-provoking image is a stark reminder of the integral bond between an animal and its habitat and serves as a visual representation of the detrimental impacts of climate warming and habitat loss,” Gurr said in the release.
Alongside the winner, four other images were highly commended. All five photographs will be on display at the Natural History Museum in London until June 30.
English (US) ·