Moving picture of napping polar bear wins Wildlife Photographer of the Year People's Choice Award

Source: News9live
Author: Varsha Sara Babuji

New Delhi: A British photographer named Nima Sarikhani bagged the Wildlife Photographer of the Year People's Choice Award. The image that won Sarikhani the prestigious title features a napping polar bear on a small iceberg. It is called "Ice Bed" and was captured on the Norwegian islands.

The National History Museum, which organises the event every year, took to X and wrote, "A massive congratulations to Nima Sarikhani who has won our Wildlife Photographer of the Year People's Choice Award! Nima's dreamy image captures the moment a polar bear drifts off to sleep on a bed made of ice against stunning pink and blue sky."

Speaking of his feat, the photographer stated, "I am so honoured to have won this year's People's Choice award for Wildlife Photography of the Year, the most prestigious wildlife photography competition. This photograph has stirred strong emotions in many of those who have seen it." He added, "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."

The winning photo was clicked after Sarikhani's three-day hunt for polar bears on the island. 75,000 people took part in the voting process to select the winner.

Dr Douglas Gurr from the National History Museum spoke of Sarikhani's exceptional picture. He stated, "Nima's breathtaking and poignant image allows us to see the beauty and fragility of our planet." He added, "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."

Meanwhile, netizens were quick to comment on the winning picture.

One stated, "What a stunning picture!" Another commented, "Just gorgeous!!!"