A polar bear playfully fetches a stick in the waters of Svalbard, Norway. It’s a moment of levity for an animal better known for their imposing dispositions. Photographer Tom Nickels watched the scene from a safe distance on a boat and snapped a captivating image (seen above) of the moment.
Nickels’ photograph took gold in the Behavior-Mammals category at the 2025 World Nature Photography Awards. This year’s competition drew thousands entries from 48 countries spanning six continents.
Olive ridley sea turtle in Kasait, Timor Leste
Gold, Underwater
“This image captures a poignant moment as a young olive ridley sea turtle embarks on its delicate journey into the vast open ocean at Kasait, Timor Leste. Sea turtles, known in the local language Tetum as ‘Lenuk Tasi’, return to the very beaches where they once hatched to lay their own eggs. Sadly, these fragile nests face numerous threats, from natural predators to human activities. Yet, even if hatchlings make it to the ocean, only an estimated one in 1,000 to 10,000 survives to adulthood. This image was made possible by the turtle conservation group called ‘Lenuk Tasi’, led by marine science students from Dili, whose dedication helps protect these incredible creatures.”
Credit: Daniel Flormann / World Nature Photographer Awards Daniel Flormann
Maruša Puhek of Slovenia took top honors for a stark image (seen below) of deer sprinting through a snowy vineyard.
Gold, Nature Art and Overall Winner
“This photo was part of my 366 project, when I captured one image every day and carried my camera everywhere. It was a snowy day and I only had a wide-angle lens with me when I spotted two deer running through the snowy vineyard. I took a few shots, frustrated that I didn’t have a telephoto lens with me. Only later, while editing, did I realise how lucky I was; the scene wasn’t overly zoomed in, allowing the snowy surroundings to remain an essential part of the composition.”
Credit: Maruša Puhek / World Nature Photographer Awards
Marusa Puhek
“As always, it’s such a thrill to witness the amazing calibre of entries into the awards,” said Adrian Dinsdale, co-founder of the WNPAs. “Seeing these images cannot fail to motivate one to do everything to protect this fragile planet of ours.We offer our heartfelt congratulations to all the winners.”
Prints of the winning images can be purchased in the World Nature Photography Awards store.
A fox in Lac La Biche, Alberta, Canada.
Bronze, Animal Behavior
Credit: Donna Feldichuk / World Nature Photographer Awards Donna Feledichuk
Male hippos in Mana Pools, Zimbabwe.
Silver, Animal Behavior
Credit: Jonathan Hodgetts / World Nature Photographer Awards
Laternflies in Danum Valley, Sabah, Malaysia.
Gold, Animal Portraits
“This captivating macro photograph showcases two brilliantly coloured lanternflies, their bodies adorned with a symphony of vibrant greens, oranges, and yellows. Perched on the textured bark of a tree, these insects seem to glow against the dark background.”
Credit: Khaichuin Sim / World Nature Photographer Awards Khaichuin Sim
Guinea fowl in Tanzania
Bronze, Animal Portraits
Credit: Ngar Shun Victor Wong / World Nature Photographer Awards
Female agama lizard in Serengeti, Tanzania
Silver, Behaviour – Amphibians and reptiles
Credit: Jules Oldroyd / World Nature Photographer Awards
Namib sand gecko in Walvis Bay, Namibia
Bronze, Behaviour – Amphibians and reptiles
Credit: Marti Phillips / World Nature Photographer Awards Marti Phillips
Two white-cheeked terns in Kubbar Island, Kuwait
Bronze, Behavior – Birds
Credit: Mohammad Murad / World Nature Photographer Awards
Robber fly in Belgium
Gold, Behavior – Invertebrates
“Sometimes, the most compelling stories unfold in the background, away from where our focus initially lies. I was photographing another subject in the garden in Belgium when, out of the corner of my eye, I spotted a robber fly. Nearby, a spider lurked ominously, and I couldn’t help but wonder—what if the spider ensnared the fly in its web? Intrigued, I decided to stay and watch. For the next 30 minutes, I observed nature’s quiet drama. Finally, the spider made its move, and I captured the moment.”
Credit: Niki Colemont / World Nature Photographer Awards
Sea turtle in Abu Dabbab, Egypt
Silver, Underwater
Credit: Sina Ritter / World Nature Photographer Awards
Gold, Urban Wildlife
Male pin-tailed whydah in Mandinari, Gambia
“In the most unlikely of places, where the grit of human industry meets the grace of nature, lies a story of resilience and coexistence. This image captures the striking contrast between a colossal fuel depot in Mandinari, Gambia, and a male Pin-tailed Whydah in full breeding plumage. Taken during an October trip, this moment is particularly special as the bird will soon undergo transformation into a more brown, drab plumage. During the breeding season, coinciding with the rainy season in West Africa, I enjoy capturing this kind of photography to illustrate the connection between humanity and nature. Gambia holds a special place in my heart, as I run two trips a year there. I would love for this image to connect with people and encourage them to explore birding in Gambia, helping to boost eco-tourism in this beautiful region.”
Credit: Benjamin Smail / World Nature Photographer Awards Benjamin Smail
Silver, Urban Wildlife
Great grey owl in California, USA
Credit: Elizabeth Yicheng Shen / World Nature Photographer Awards Elizabeth Yicheng Shen
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