In brief
Federico Veronesi’s emotional photo of a female elephant lifting a lifeless calf stands out as the Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026 winner, showcasing deep animal emotion and a subtle call for empathy. The shot was taken while tracking elephants in Namibia’s Huab River Valley, capturing a scene that resonated with researchers and photography judges alike. Veronesi explains the scene reflects the complex emotional lives of elephants, especially those who have lost offspring before. The annual WHONY exhibition opens at the Natural History Museum on 16 October 2026, inviting viewers to explore other award‑winning images from around the globe. The Ukrainian photographer’s work highlights a one‑time opportunity to see the world of wildlife beyond surface interactions.
Heart‑wrenching Elephant Moment Wins Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026
Italian photographer Federico Veronesi has been awarded the top prize at 2026’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year (WHONY) competition after an emotionally charged image of a female elephant carrying a dead calf captured global attention.
While tracking elephants in Namibia’s Huab River Valley, Veronesi spotted unusual drag marks across a dry riverbed. Following the tracks, he found a female elephant with a calf, its leg caught between her tusk and trunk. Initially thinking the calf was hers, he consulted with a local research team and was humbled to learn that the woman had lost a calf years earlier and often carries others’ dead offspring.
Veronesi said the encounter “is the most heart‑wracking, fascinating and dramatic” of his 20‑year career, revealing the depth of animal emotions and the need for humanity to see beyond physical form.
The anniversary photograph will be displayed at the Natural History Museum (NHM) from 16 October 2026. The exhibition showcases a wide range of wildlife images, allowing visitors to explore other award‑winning work such as a dung beetle’s labor‑intensive task, a bumblebee’s single wingbeat, and a royal octopus’s gaze among kelp.
Key highlights
- The winning image was taken in Namibia’s Huab River Valley.
- Photographer: Federico Veronesi (Italy).
- Competition: Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026.
- Display venue: Natural History Museum, London, opening 16 Oct 2026.
- The photo underscores the emotional complexity of elephants and calls for deeper empathy.
Photographers from across the world contributed remarkable images to the 2026 WHONY, ranging from a dung beetle’s uncanny diligence to a whale shark’s curious encounter with a fishing platform. Each photo invites observers to look beyond surface beauty and appreciate the hidden stories within the natural world.
For readers wishing to see the full gallery, the NHM hosts an online archive that brings the competition’s visual storytelling into a multi‑device, interactive experience.
