These puffins are the cutest photo of 2020 Wildlife Photographer of the Year

Wildlife Photographer of the Year contest never fails to bring us striking images of the world around us. Although the winners will be announced in October, we can take a peek at some of this year’s highly commended images. As always, they display the beauty, diversity, but also the devastating destruction of the natural world.

Wildlife Photographer of the Year is developed and produced by the Natural History Museum, London. This year’s competition attracted almost 50,000 entries from all over the globe, from professionals and amateurs alike.

One of the highly commended images was taken by thirteen-year-old Arshdeep Singh. It shows a douc, a critically-endangered primate, in its natural environment. Hamilton James’s image of a lone tree surrounded by the vicious flames of a forest fire stands as a testament to human impact upon the Amazon rainforest and the damage being done to the natural world.

Dr. Tim Littlewood, Executive Director of Science at the Natural History Museum and member of the judging panel, says:

“This competition has an outstanding reputation in attracting the world’s very best photographers, naturalists, and young photographers. But there has never been a more vital time for audiences all over the world to reengage with the natural world, and what better way than this inspiring and provocative exhibition. Photography’s unique ability to spark conversation and curiosity is certainly special. We hope that this year’s exhibition will provide an opportunity for audiences to pause, reflect and ignite a passion of advocating for the natural world.”

The overall winners will be announced on 13 October 2020. Due to the circumstances, the awards ceremony will look a lot different than usual. This year, the ceremony will be conducted virtually from the Natural History Museum’s Hintze Hall.

However, you will be able to see the exhibition of the best photos in person. Like every year, it will take place at the Natural History Museum, and after that, it will start the UK and international tour. The exhibition will last from Friday 16 October till Sunday 06 June 2021. You can find more information about the exhibition here. Also, check out Wildlife Photographer of the Year’s website and Facebook page for more info about the contest. And now, take a look at the rest of the striking images from this year’s contest. But keep in mind that some of them are not for the faint-hearted.