Federico Won Wildlife Photographer of the Year
A powerful image of an elephant in Namibia has been named the winning entry for the prestigious global competition.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Wildlife
Photographer Federico took top honors in the 2026 Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition with a moving photograph of a female elephant. The image, which shows the elephant carrying a dead calf, was captured in the Huab River Valley.
Why it matters
The winning image highlights the complex emotional behaviors observed in elephant family groups. Its selection by the judges underscores the global interest in documenting wildlife behavior through high-level photography.
The competition attracted a total of 65,403 entries from photographers across 121 countries and territories. This volume of submissions represents the total universe of participants for the 2026 contest.
The players
Federico
Federico is the photographer whose image was selected as the winner of the 2026 Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition.
The details
Federico captured the winning shot while following a family group of elephants through the landscape of Namibia. The composition focuses on the mother elephant and the calf, providing a stark look at the animals' social interactions.
Timeline
The winning image was announced in 2026.
Culture Shift
This win aligns with the long-term trend of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year annual competition metrics for global participation. The continued high engagement marks a societal shift toward valuing wildlife conservation through visual storytelling.
The widespread publication of this winning image encourages viewers to learn more about elephant behavior and conservation efforts in Namibia. Fans of nature photography can incorporate these themes into their own documentation of wildlife.
The takeaway
This powerful image demonstrates how photography can bring intimate wildlife moments to a global audience. Viewers interested in wildlife photography can study the composition of this winning shot to better document their own local animal encounters.
Further reading
Discover more about animal habitats and conservation photography in our Wildlife section.
