From a sleeping seal to a turtle strangled by plastic waste, this years Wildlife Photographer of the Year finalists showcase both the beauty and tragedy facing the world’s wildlife.
The Natural History Museum in London has released a first look at some of images contending for this year’s awards.
These have been selected from almost 50,000 entries from 100 countries taken by photographers of all ages.
‘Now in its fifty-third instalment, the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition provides a showcase for the world’s very best nature photography’” said the Museum’s website.
The winners are broken up into multiple categories with the most coveted prizes being the Wildlife and Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year. Last year Young Wildlife Photographer went to South African Skye Meaker for capturing a leopard waking from sleep in Mashatu Game Reserve in Botswana.
Winners of the prize will be announced at an awards ceremony on October 15.
Cool drink by Diana Rebman. Natural History Museum.
Touching trust by Thomas P Peschak. Natural History Museum.
Sleeping like a Weddell by Ralf Schneider. Natural History Museum.
Big cat and dog spat by Peter Haygarth. Natural History Museum
The hair-net cocoon by Minghui Yuan. Natural History Museum.
Beach waste by Matthew Ware. Natural History Museum.
Lucky break by Jason Bantle. Natural History Museum.
The climbing dead by Frank Deschandol. Natural History Museum.
If penguins could fly by Eduardo Del Álamo. Natural History Museum.
Canopy hangout by Carlos Pérez Naval.Natural History Museum
Image source: Natural History Museum.
