Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibition

Thursday 27 February 2014

The Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition returns to the Australian Museum this March with Australian photographer, Justin Gilligan, among those honoured in the highly renowned international competition.

Featuring 100 powerful images, the exhibition showcases striking photographs of wildlife and nature from around the world and can be seen at the Australian Museum from 29 March – 1 June, FREE with general Museum entry.

The photographs exhibited in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year (WPY) are increasingly important for the way they highlight pressing environmental issues such as animal extinction and destruction of natural landscapes.

Quick Facts

  • This year’s winner is Greg du Toit, a passionate conservationist from South Africa. His photograph Essence of elephants is an innovative depiction of elephants at a waterhole.
  • The winner of Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year is Udayan Rao Pawar. Just 14 years old, Pawar camped on the banks of the Chambal River in India to capture his shot of gharial crocodiles entitled Mother’s little headful.
  • Australian photographer Justin Gilligan was commended in the World in Our Hands Award for his photo Hook, line and sinking, taken off the coast of NSW at Seal Rocks.
  • The category is dedicated to exhibiting the interaction, positive or negative, between nature and humans. Gilligan’s portrait of a grey nurse shark with a fishing hook and line lodged in its cheek continues Gilligan’s long-term interest in marine wildlife protection.
  • Co-owned by the Natural History Museum in London and BBC Worldwide, the 2013 competition received almost 43,000 entries from across 96 countries.
  • Photographers have until 27 February 2014 to enter this year’s WPY competition. For details, see www.nhm.ac.uk/wpy.
  • After its Australian debut in Sydney, the exhibition will travel to Newcastle Regional Library (14 June – 10 August) and Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, Hobart (30 August – 27 October).

Quotes

“The Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition continues to amaze audiences across the globe with images which showcase great talent and astounding wildlife. More and more the award is becoming an avenue for raising environmental awareness and sharing information about endangered species. Not only is the Australian Museum devoted to exhibiting the natural beauty of our world, but we are also dedicated to furthering environmental conservation. We are proud to present these breathtaking photographs.” - Frank Howarth, Director of the Australian Museum

“Ever since I was young, I would make the trip down to the Australian Museum from Newcastle to visit this exhibition and leave inspired by the amazing wild encounters and the unique way in which they had been portrayed. Although my image took a mere 1/160th of a second to create, it took years of experience to make the most of that brief encounter. I hope my image also inspires and helps educates visitors as to the plight of sharks the world over - at least a hundred million are killed annually mainly for the shark-fin trade." – Justin Gilligan, Photographer.

Notes to Editors

  • “Wildlife Photographer of the Year is co-owned by the Natural History Museum, London and BBC Worldwide” must appear clearly in the editorial copy.
  • “[Photographer’s name]/Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2013” must appear clearly alongside all images.
  • Up to a maximum of 10 (ten) images can appear within a publication or website (including any cover/ home page image).
  • A maximum of 1 (one) image can be used on the front cover of a publication or home page of a website on one occasion (in one edition) only. A proof copy must be provided in advance of publication and no such use may be made without our prior written approval.
  • The images may be not be cropped, overprinted or altered in any way without prior consent.
  • No use is permitted after 31 December 2014 and all copies you hold must be permanently destroyed after use.

For a complete copy of all terms and conditions, please contact the Australian Museum Publicist.

The Australian Museum is a place of exploration and discovery, inspiring responsibility for our world by promoting knowledge, understanding and enjoyment of science, nature and culture. For more information on how you can enable our vital work, please visit Support Us.

Images

Please see our image sheet page.