Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026 announces People’s Choice winners

The Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026 Nuveen People’s Choice Award has been won by Austrian photographer Josef Stefan, whose image of a lynx batting a rodent like a toy captured the hearts of nearly 90,000 voters. Stefan’s photograph, titled “Flying Rodent,” showcases a young Iberian lynx engaging in playful behavior with its prey, a scene that has been a dream of his for years.

Stefan described the journey to capture this image as more than just another photographic adventure; it was the pursuit of a dream that had been with him for years. The Iberian lynx, one of the rarest and most endangered wild cats in the world, has been a living symbol of hope, thanks to consistent conservation efforts. In the early 2000s, the species was on the brink of extinction, but today, there are over 2,000 Iberian lynxes thriving in the wild. Winning this prestigious award allowed Stefan to platform his message about the importance of conservation and the power of focused attention in making a difference.

For 30 years, Stefan has been a nature photographer, and this award is the highlight of his career. He was thrilled when the opportunity arose to spend two weeks observing lynxes from a hide at Torre de Juan Abad, Ciudad Real, Spain. It is common for young lynxes to play with their prey before killing it, and this particular lynx repeatedly threw the rodent high in the air and caught it again, making it seem as if the rodent could fly. The entire playful scene lasted about 20 minutes before the lynx grew bored and retreated to eat its prey.

The competition also honored four runners-up with their exceptional images. Alexandre Brisson’s image of a flamboyance of flamingoes in Namibia captured the vibrant beauty of these birds in their natural habitat. Kohei Nagira’s photograph of a post-brawl deer showcased the raw power and intensity of these animals. Will Nicholls’ photo of sparring bear cubs highlighted the playful and competitive nature of young animals. Lastly, Christopher Paetkau’s image of a calm moment for a polar bear family offered a serene glimpse into the lives of these majestic creatures.

These celebrated images will be on display at the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition at the Natural History Museum in London until July 12, 2026. The exhibition serves as a platform for photographers to share their unique perspectives on wildlife and conservation, inspiring visitors to appreciate the beauty and fragility of the natural world. Through these photographs, the power of storytelling through images is showcased, reminding us of the importance of protecting and preserving the habitats and species that inhabit our planet.