Series description
This series explores two encounters with wild western lowland gorillas in the Congo Basin: the same species, the same forest, but two different realities. The first encounter, in Cameroon, involved tracking a group that was still fearful of humans, making each glimpse a rare, fleeting moment. The second encounter, in Gabon, was with a habituated group that was more tolerant of human presence. These images reflect the fragile, complex relationship slowly forming between humans and one of our closest relatives; an evolving story of fear, patience and trust.
Egnonga
This young gorilla is named Engonga, meaning ‘joy,’ and at just three months old, he seems to have discovered the human gaze for the very first time. This photograph was taken in Gabon, observing a habituated group. The dominant silverback had accepted the photographer’s group’s presence, allowing him to witness moments of trust, like this quiet and fragile encounter in the heart of the forest.
© Hugo Hebbe, France, Shortlist, Professional Competition, Wildlife & Nature, 2026 Sony World Photography Awards
Grow Up
In the Gabonese jungle, Egnonga gazes towards the sky and reaches up, trying to climb a liana. His gestures are clumsy, but full of instinct and curiosity. These wild gorillas, though habituated to humans, live freely in the dense forest. Moments like this remind us how much we share with them in terms of childhood, effort and growth.
© Hugo Hebbe, France, Shortlist, Professional Competition, Wildlife & Nature, 2026 Sony World Photography Awards
Silverback
In the heart of Gabon’s jungle, the wild silverback Kamaya locks eyes with the photographer. His powerful presence fills the frame, yet his gaze is calm, almost curious. These gorillas remain fully wild, but through patience and respect, they sometimes allow people to get close. This portrait captures a rare moment of connection between two worlds.
© Hugo Hebbe, France, Shortlist, Professional Competition, Wildlife & Nature, 2026 Sony World Photography Awards
Kamaya
Kamaya sits in full majesty, gazing into the distance in the jungle of Gabon. His massive frame dominates the image, imposing yet composed. Although fully wild, he has grown accustomed to human presence. This portrait captures his grandeur, as if he were surveying the forest he rules with quiet authority.
© Hugo Hebbe, France, Shortlist, Professional Competition, Wildlife & Nature, 2026 Sony World Photography Awards
Love
In a rare clearing deep in Gabon’s jungle, Egnonga rests peacefully on the back of his mother, Ombia. The open peatland provides a quiet stage for this tender moment of calm and connection. Amid the vastness of the forest, the bond between mother and infant becomes a symbol of life unfolding in its most intimate form.
© Hugo Hebbe, France, Shortlist, Professional Competition, Wildlife & Nature, 2026 Sony World Photography Awards
King
In a wide, open peatland, deep in Gabon’s jungle, Kamaya stands alone, bathed in soft forest light. Framed by space and silence, his imposing figure radiates calm authority. This rare glimpse of the silverback in full view captures the power and balance of a king entirely at home in his wild domain.
© Hugo Hebbe, France, Shortlist, Professional Competition, Wildlife & Nature, 2026 Sony World Photography Awards
The Hand
A close-up of Kamaya’s foot clinging to a branch in Gabon’s jungle. Its shape, almost like a human hand, speaks of strength and connection. In this quiet frame, a simple gesture becomes a symbol of balance and presence; of the deep bond between this great ape and the forest that cradles him.
© Hugo Hebbe, France, Shortlist, Professional Competition, Wildlife & Nature, 2026 Sony World Photography Awards