Sleepy Polar Bear Portrait Earns Top Honor in Wildlife Photographer of the Year People’s Choice Award

Amateur British photographer Nima Sarikhani’s ethereal depiction of a dozing polar bear atop an iceberg has clinched the prestigious People’s Choice title in the 59th annual Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition.

Sarikhani’s mesmerizing portrait emerged victorious from a staggering 75,000 votes, setting a new record in the competition’s history. Besting 24 other finalists, selected from an impressive pool of nearly 50,000 submissions, Sarikhani’s image resonated deeply with voters and judges alike.

Reflecting on Sarikhani’s winning entry, Dr. Douglass Gurr, Director of the Natural History Museum, remarks, “Nima’s breathtaking and poignant image allows us to see the beauty and fragility of our planet. 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.”

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