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 awarded to Austrian photographer Josef Stefan for his striking image of a lynx batting a rodent like a toy. After receiving nearly 90,000 votes, Stefan’s photograph of the Iberian lynx, one of the rarest and most endangered wild cats in the world, has captured the hearts of the public.

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. He explained that in the early 2000s, the Iberian lynx was on the brink of extinction, but today, there are over 2,000 individuals thanks to consistent conservation efforts. Winning this prestigious award has been the highlight of his 30-year career as a nature photographer, allowing him to platform a powerful message about the importance of conservation and responsible action.

Josef Stefan had long dreamed of photographing lynxes, and his opportunity came when he was invited to spend two weeks observing them from a hide at Torre de Juan Abad in Ciudad Real, Spain. It is common for young lynxes to play with their prey before killing it, and in this case, the lynx repeatedly threw the rodent high into the air and caught it again. To Stefan, it seemed as if the rodent could fly. The entire playful interaction lasted about 20 minutes before the lynx grew bored and took the rodent behind a bush to eat it.

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

These celebrated images will be on display at the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition at the Natural History Museum in London until its closing on July 12, 2026. The exhibition not only showcases the incredible talent of these photographers but also raises awareness about the importance of conservation and the delicate balance of our natural world. Through their art, these photographers inspire us to appreciate the beauty of wildlife and the urgent need to protect it for future generations.