Wildlife Photographer of the Year brings indelible images of the wonders of the natural world to ROM this fall

TORONTO, October 14, 2026 – Become a witness to the awe-inspiring beauty and power of the wildlife all around us as the always-captivating annual Wildlife Photographer of the Year (WPY) exhibition returns to the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) with 100 all-new images from the world’s leading wildlife photography contest.

Running from November 7, 2026, to February 28, 2027, this acclaimed exhibition from the Natural History Museum (NHM) in London has been presenting the world’s best nature photography since 1965 – advancing scientific knowledge, raising awareness of important ecological issues, and nurturing visitors’ love of the natural world.

From dramatic sweeping views of wilderness vistas to close-up shots of animals that seem almost otherworldly, these extraordinary photographs remind viewers of the impact on the environment and the responsibility we share to care for our planet and its future.

“From a stark portrait of a scarred lion to a storm-dark ocean teeming with fishes, this year’s photographs burst with life,” says Nicholas R. Bell, ROM Director & CEO. “Just as importantly, these images capture the myriad threats facing nature today – and remind us of the urgency to protect our ecosystems.”

The Grand Title and Young Grand Title category winners were announced at a ceremony at NHM on the evening of October 13. The heartbreaking photograph by Italian wildlife photographer Federico Veronesi has been announced as Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026 for his powerful image, The Aftermath. Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026 is awarded to Oscar Whitfield, a young British photographer residing in Zimbabwe for his image Labour of Love that captures the arduous exertion of a dung beetle pushing its precious cargo.

Included in this year’s exhibition are works by Canadian photographers including Shane Gross (British Columbia), who was recognized twice – for a split-image view of a school of bigeye trevally fish, and also a photograph of a male plainfin midshipman fish guarding a brood of fry; and Gil Wizen (Canada/Israel) for his close-up picture of a little lichen dragon katydid, found only in the Andes Mountains of Ecuador. Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas (Canada/Germany) was the recipient of the Rising Star Award for a selection of detailed entomology images, while Danijel Djurovic’s (Canada/Montenegro) mesmerizing black-and-white portrait of a snarling lion is in the 15-17 Years youth category.

WPY’s return this November marks the 14th year in a row the Museum has exhibited images from the prestigious global photography contest, and will be the first 2026 North American stop of this internationally touring exhibition – a perennial must-see for ROM visitors.

“Wildlife photography offers a unique window into the state of the planet,” says Dr. Soren Brothers, Allan and Helaine Shiff Curator of Climate Change and ROM curator for the exhibition. “As such, these photographs bring us together and trigger important conversations, but they also engender a shared sense of awe, wonder, and humility.” 

These powerful images are selected by an international panel of expert judges from across the disciplines of wildlife photography, filmmaking, science and conservation. Submissions to the competition – which is open to photographers of all ages and experience levels – were judged anonymously on their creativity, originality, and technical excellence.

“Every year I think the entries to our competition can’t get any stronger – and every year I am proven wrong. Selected from a record-breaking 65,403 images, this preview presents just a small insight into the 100 incredible images in store for visitors,” says Kathy Moran, Chair of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Jury. “These photographs pave the way for a deepened appreciation and commitment to our natural world.”

Membership
Members will have the first opportunity to experience Wildlife Photographer of the Year on Friday, November 6 from 10 am to 5:30 pm, and Saturday, November 7, from 10 am until noon. Tickets to WPY are free for ROM Members. Visit joinROM.ca for more information about ROM membership.

ROM Photo Contest
Ontario photographers with keen observations of the natural environment are invited to participate in the ROM Wildlife Photo Contest. Open to both adults and youth, amateurs and professionals, those inspired by nature can share their captivating images for a chance to win prizes from Henry’s and the honour of displaying the winning work at ROM. Watch for full contest details on the exhibition webpage.

Exhibition credit
Wildlife Photographer of the Year is developed and produced by the Natural History Museum, London. 

-30-

About ROM 
Opened in 1914, ROM (Royal Ontario Museum) showcases art, culture, and nature from around the world and across the ages. Today, ROM houses more than 18 million objects, from Egyptian mummies to contemporary sculpture, from meteorites to dinosaurs. ROM is the most visited museum in the country and one of the top ten museums in North America. It is also the country’s preeminent field research institute, with a diverse range of experts who help us understand the past, make sense of the present, and shape a shared future. Just as impressive is ROM’s facility—a striking combination of heritage architecture and contemporary, cutting-edge design, which marks the Museum as an iconic landmark and global cultural destination.  

We live on in what we leave behind.

About the Natural History Museum, London
The Natural History Museum, London, is a world-leading science centre and one of the most visited attractions in the UK. A global source of curiosity, inspiration and joy. Our vision is to build a future in which both people and the planet thrive. We aim to be a catalyst for change, engaging advocates for the planet in everything that we do. Our 350 scientists are finding solutions to the planetary emergency in all aspects of life. Visit, join and support the Natural History Museum today.

Protecting the planet. It's in our nature.