Elephant Carrying Deceased Calf Wins Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Italian photographer Federico Veronesi captures a 'heart-wrecking and fascinating' scene in Namibia, earning him the top honor.
Federico Veronesi, an Italian photographer, has been awarded Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026 for his poignant image of an elephant carrying its deceased calf. The photograph, taken in Namibia's Huab River Valley, captures a female elephant with a dead calf's leg wedged between her tusk and trunk.
Veronesi initially believed the elephant was the calf's mother. However, after consulting with an elephant research project active in the region, he learned the female had lost a calf years prior and had a history of carrying deceased calves belonging to other elephants. This revelation added a layer of complexity to the already striking image.
"For all the 20 years I've done photographing animals, this is the most heart-wrecking and fascinating and dramatic," Veronesi stated, describing the encounter. He hopes the photograph will encourage viewers to recognize the depth of animal emotions and individuality.
The competition's annual exhibition, featuring Veronesi's winning entry and other award-winning images, is scheduled to open at the Natural History Museum on Friday, October 16, 2026.
Other notable images recognized in the competition include an urban coyote and various other wildlife subjects, showcasing the diversity and impact of wildlife photography.