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Sleeping polar bear image wins photography award
The photo won the People’s Choice Award from 25 competitors.
'Ice Bed' (C) Nima Sarikhani/Wildlife Photographer of the Year

 
An image of a young polar bear sleeping on an iceberg has been awarded the 59th Wildlife Photographer of the Year (WPY) People’s Choice Award.

'Ice Bed', taken by Nima Sarikhani, was voted as the best from 25 shortlisted images for the Natural History Museum’s competition.

Mr Sarikhani had spent three days aboard an expedition vessel, searching for polar bears in the thick fog off Norway’s Svalbard archipelago. The ship changed course towards some sea ice, where it encountered two polar bears.

Just before midnight a young male polar bear clambered on to an iceberg, where it used its strong paws to carve itself a bed. Mr Sarikhani’s photograph captures the moment the polar bear fell asleep.

The image received the most votes from 25 photographs shortlisted by an international judging panel. Over 75,000 people voted for their favourite.

Mr Sarikhani said: “I am so honoured to have won this year's People’s Choice award for WPY, the most prestigious wildlife photography competition. This photograph has stirred strong emotions in many of those who have seen it.

“Whilst climate change is the biggest challenge we face, I hope that this photograph also inspires hope; there is still time to fix the mess we have caused.”

Dr Douglas Gurr, director of the Natural History Museum, said: “His thought-provoking image is a stark reminder of the integral bond between an animal and its habitat and serves as a visual representation of the detrimental impacts of climate warming and habitat loss."


'The Happy Turtle' (C) Tzahi Finkelstein/Wildlife Photographer of the Year

 

There were also four entries that were named ‘Highly Commended’ in the competition.

These included Tzahi Finkelstein’s ‘The Happy Turtle’, which depicts a Balkan pond turtle and a northern banded groundling dragonfly, and Daniel Dencescu’s ‘Starling Murmuration’, which shows a murmuration which had formed the shape of a bird.

'Shared Parenting (C) Mark Boyd/Wildlife Photographer of the Year

Mark Boyd’s ‘Shared Parenting’ photograph shows two lionesses grooming a cub in Kenya. Audun Rikarden’s ‘Aurora Jellies’ shows two moon jellyfish illuminated by aurora borealis in Norway.

Nima Sarikhani’s winning photograph, as well as the four Highly Commended entries, will be displayed online and in the Natural History Museum’s exhibition until 30 June 2024.

Images © Natural History Museum

 

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Vetlife nominated for campaign award

News Story 1
 Vetlife has been shortlisted for the Association of Charity Organisations (ACO) Campaign of the Year Award 2024.

The nomination recognises its campaigning to raise awareness of neurodiversity within the profession and produce resources for individuals and workplaces. Vetlife's campaign has included talks, lived experience blogs, and an awareness video.

Kirstie Pickles, Vetlife trustee and project lead, said: "I am thrilled and delighted that the Vetlife neurodiversity awareness campaign has been shortlisted for the ACO Campaign of the Year Award 2024"

The winner will be announced 12 September 2024. 

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News Shorts
Northern Ireland chief vet warns of bluetongue risk

Following the detection of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) in England, Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer has urged farmers to remain vigilant and source animals responsibly.

Brian Dooher said: "This confirmation in England is a stark reminder of the threat bluetongue presents to Northern Ireland.Whilst this finding in Norfolk is disappointing it is not unexpected giving the rising level of disease across several countries in Europe. Bluetongue does not affect human health or food safety, however an incursion to Northern Ireland would have a significant impact on livestock and the rural economy.

"I would like to remind all farmers of the importance of sourcing animals responsibly and ask that they maintain vigilance for signs of the disease reporting any suspicions to DAERA immediately."

Suspected cases of BTV-3 in Northern Ireland should be reported to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.