Lumix announces Wildlife Photographer of the Year

The LUMIX People’s Choice finalist for the 2019 Wildlife Photographer of the Year Award has been announced. The winning image encapsulates a fleeting moment and perfect timing and serves as a reminder of human-wildlife interconnectivity.

You may recall an image of two mice brawling in the London Underground that went viral last year, captured by Sam Rowley. The image, ‘Station Squabble’, shows the mice in a very convincing and human-like fist fight.

Lying in wait on the platform of a London underground station @SamRowleyPhoto saw these two mice taking the term ‘food fight’ to another level.

Do you think this should win the @LumixUK #WPYPeoplesChoice Award? See the shortlist and cast your vote here: https://t.co/lsbaVORcpP pic.twitter.com/kwAb7DRobq

— Wildlife Photographer of the Year (@NHM_WPY) December 8, 2019

Rowley explained that the altercation lasted a ‘split second’ before one of the mice was triumphant in snatching a bread crumb, the reason for the fight.

The photograph was submitted to London’s Natural History Museum and has won the award. According to Standard, the image was selected by a public voting system. From the 48,000 entries, this peculiar picture made it onto a shortlist of 25 images.

Director of the Natural History Museum Michael Dixon said: ‘Sam’s image provides a fascinating glimpse into how wildlife functions in a human-dominated environment. The mice’s behaviour is sculpted by our daily routine, the transport we use and the food we discard.

‘This image reminds us that while we may wander past it every day, humans are inherently intertwined with the nature that is on our doorstep – I hope it inspires people to think about and value this relationship more.’

Four other photos were selected as highly commended for the award:

Four #HighlyCommended images also won over the nature photography enthusiasts that voted in this years @LumixUK #WPYPeoplesChoice Award @NHM_WPY

Aaron Gekoski’s image, Losing the Fight, highlights how orangutans are used in degrading performances that continue to this day. pic.twitter.com/ejrRQ1NjTj

— Natural History Museum (@NHM_London) February 12, 2020

Michel Zoghzoghi was in Brazil photographing jaguars when his image, Matching Outfits, was captured. He was mesmerized as a mother and cub dragged an anaconda from the water, with the trio sporting very similar patterns.@LumixUK #WPYPeoplesChoice @NHM_WPY #HighlyCommended pic.twitter.com/FcdZTA5lz8

— Natural History Museum (@NHM_London) February 12, 2020

In the image, The Surrogate Mother, Martin Buzora captured a tender moment between a rhino called Kitui and ranger Elias Mugambi at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in Kenya, a sanctuary that cares for baby rhinos.@LumixUK #WPYPeoplesChoice @NHM_WPY #HighlyCommended pic.twitter.com/VHERyj2rQ4

— Natural History Museum (@NHM_London) February 12, 2020

Last but by no means least, Spot the Reindeer by Francis De Andres also caught the attention of @LumixUK #WPYPeoplesChoice voters.

How many reindeer can you spot camouflaged against the snowy backdrop of Svalbard?@NHM_WPY #HighlyCommended pic.twitter.com/DVBnBCqHeb

— Natural History Museum (@NHM_London) February 12, 2020

The entire shortlist gallery can be viewed here.

Image: Sam Rowley

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