Shane Gross Wins Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2024

Canadian photographer Shane Gross has won the Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2024 with his captivating image 'The Swarm of Life', showcasing western toad tadpoles swimming beneath lily pads in Cedar Lake, British Columbia. This year's competition attracted a record 59,228 entries from 117 countries, emphasizing the significance of biodiversity and environmental awareness. Additionally, Australian photographers excelled, with Justin Gilligan winning the Oceans: The Bigger Picture category for a poignant image highlighting the impact of plastic pollution on marine life, while Jannico Kelk earned recognition for his photograph of a thriving greater bilby. The awards ceremony took place at London's Natural History Museum, celebrating its 60th year, and featured an exhibition of 100 awarded images starting on October 11. The competition continues to underscore the vital connection between wildlife and its environment as well as the challenges faced due to human activity. Jury chair Kathy Moran noted the captivating energy and connectivity depicted in Gross's winning photograph, which reflects the beauty of often-overlooked species.