In a remarkable celebration of wildlife photography, Josef Stefan has clinched the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Nuveen People’s Choice Award 2026 for his stunning image titled ‘Flying Rodent’. The announcement was made on March 25, 2026, at the Natural History Museum in London, where the exhibition will remain open until July 12, 2026.
This year’s award garnered an impressive 85,917 votes, setting a new record for public engagement. Stefan’s photograph captures a young Iberian lynx in Ciudad Real, Spain, playfully tossing a rodent into the air—a moment that lasted for about 20 minutes. This playful behavior not only highlights the lynx’s charm but also underscores the importance of wildlife conservation.
The competition was fierce, with the shortlisted photographs selected from a staggering 60,636 entries submitted from 113 countries and territories. The event has become a hallmark of wildlife photography, celebrating the beauty and diversity of nature while raising awareness about conservation issues.
Stefan expressed his gratitude, stating, “Winning this award and being able to platform this message is the highlight of my 30 years as a nature photographer.” His win comes at a time when the Iberian lynx population has shown remarkable recovery, now exceeding 2,000 individuals due to extensive conservation efforts.
Dr. Douglas Gurr, director of the Natural History Museum, remarked on the enthusiasm surrounding the voting process, saying, “It’s been wonderful to see all the votes coming in to choose the photograph set for display in our flagship exhibition here at the Natural History Museum.” This sentiment reflects a growing public interest in wildlife and the critical role of photography in conservation.
Among the other notable entries, four images received high commendations, showcasing the talents of photographers Alexandre Brisson, Christopher Paetkau, Will Nicholls, and Kohei Nagira. Their works further enrich the narrative of wildlife photography, each telling a unique story of nature’s wonders.
The Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition has a storied history, celebrating its 61st year in 2026. It serves not only as a platform for artists but also as a vital tool for raising awareness about the challenges facing wildlife today.
As the exhibition unfolds, it will undoubtedly continue to inspire visitors and provoke discussions about the importance of preserving our natural world. The Iberian lynx, once on the brink of extinction in the early 2000s, now stands as a testament to what can be achieved through dedicated conservation efforts.
With the spotlight on wildlife photography shining brighter than ever, the impact of images like Stefan’s will resonate far beyond the walls of the museum, encouraging a deeper appreciation for the beauty and fragility of our planet.