Image description
The misfortune of some brings happiness to others, and for these polar bears, the death of a whale in east Greenland heralded a royal feast. Attracted by the smell, more than sixty bears were recorded in the area. However, their behaviour was almost benevolent, possibly due to the abundance of food.
Shortlist
Hasan Bağlar
Rockstar
In a defensive pose, this thistle mantis looks like a rock singer performing on stage.
© Hasan Bağlar, Cyprus, Shortlist, Open Competition, Natural World & Wildlife, 2025 Sony World Photography Awards
Christopher Baker
Splish Splash
Great blue herons like to fish at the base of a small spillway where larger fish gather in the churning water. Although the photographer has captured images of herons catching fish here on many occasions, in this instance the early morning sun was at just the right angle to light up the splashing water, which gave the scene a different look.
© Christopher Baker, United States, Shortlist, Open Competition, Natural World & Wildlife, 2025 Sony World Photography Awards
Peter Delaney
Fever Tree Leopard
Encountering a leopard is a rare and breathtaking moment. This majestic feline was photographed at Lake Nakuru, Kenya, deep within a fever tree forest. It was initially perched on a branch but then strolled elegantly along its massive bough – a true bucket-list experience for the photographer.
© Peter Delaney, Ireland, Shortlist, Open Competition, Natural World & Wildlife, 2025 Sony World Photography Awards
Anirban Dutta
Snail Enjoying Sporulation
A snail enjoys the spores released by a bracket mushroom during the rainy season. The photographer pre-planned this image, waiting for the exact moment when all the elements came together.
© Anirban Dutta, India, Shortlist, Open Competition, Natural World & Wildlife, 2025 Sony World Photography Awards
Ilena Fasci
Fox
A wild fox photographed at Gran Paradiso, Italy.
© Ilena Fasci, Italy, Shortlist, Open Competition, Natural World & Wildlife, 2025 Sony World Photography Awards
Daniel Hannabuss
Patience!
This juvenile polar bear had just swam across a sea inlet before breaking into a remote cabin along the shoreline of Longyearbyen, on the island of Svalbard. After breaking through the window, the bear spent some time exploring the inside, peering out of the window and throwing items out. The photograph was taken from a small boat at a distance.
© Daniel Hannabuss, United Kingdom, Shortlist, Open Competition, Natural World & Wildlife, 2025 Sony World Photography Awards
Pedro Jarque Krebs
Gibbon
With an absorbed gaze, this gibbon sits in quiet contemplation. Its focused expression reveals the depth of its intelligence and the sense of curiosity that defines this fascinating primate.
© Pedro Jarque Krebs, Peru, Shortlist, Open Competition, Natural World & Wildlife, 2025 Sony World Photography Awards
Tara Keane
We’ll Find a Way
This pygmy elephant comforts her calf, which was unable to climb the steep riverbank to join the herd after they had crossed the Kinabatangan River in Borneo. A second elephant offers support from behind the baby. The herd returned to the river and continued downstream for an hour until they found a place where the calf could exit safely.
© Tara Keane, Ireland, Shortlist, Open Competition, Natural World & Wildlife, 2025 Sony World Photography Awards
Gianni Maitan
Dalmatian Pelican
This squadron of pelicans was photographed from a boat on Lake Kerkini, Greece.
© Gianni Maitan, Italy, Shortlist, Open Competition, Natural World & Wildlife, 2025 Sony World Photography Awards
Hira Punjabi
Bat Dips in Water
This image of an Indian flying fox dipping into water was taken during the summer, when the temperature was above 45 degrees Celsius.
© Hira Punjabi, India, Shortlist, Open Competition, Natural World & Wildlife, 2025 Sony World Photography Awards
Mohammad Anisur Rahman
Hungry Mouth
A parent woodpecker, perched on a tree branch, feeds its chick, peeking out from a hollow in the trunk. Photographed in Joypurhat, Bangladesh, this image captures the tender bond between parent and child in the wild.
© Mohammad Anisur Rahman, Bangladesh, Shortlist, Open Competition, Natural World & Wildlife, 2025 Sony World Photography Awards
Martin Steenhaut
Rhino Night
A mother rhino and calf come to drink at night in eastern South Africa, creating beautiful reflections in the still water.
© Martin Steenhaut, Belgium, Shortlist, Open Competition, Natural World & Wildlife, 2025 Sony World Photography Awards
Jake Virus
Kea
The only alpine parrot in the world is the kea, which lives in New Zealand. This cheeky individual is posing in front of Mount Cook, the tallest peak in New Zealand.
© Jake Virus, United States, Shortlist, Open Competition, Natural World & Wildlife, 2025 Sony World Photography Awards
Klara Zamourilova
The Weight of Survival
This lion was struggling to drag a half-eaten buffalo carcass to a nearby bush in Maasai Mara, Kenya. The carcass was far too heavy, forcing the lion to take frequent breaks to rest. This moment highlights the immense effort and determination of the predator.
© Klara Zamourilova, Czechia, Shortlist, Open Competition, Natural World & Wildlife, 2025 Sony World Photography Awards