Wildlife Photographer Of The Year Comes To Canterbury Museum Express From London

The latest Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition opens at the Canterbury Museum Pop-Up on 7 November, just weeks after opening at the Natural History Museum in London.

Direct and express from London, the fresh batch of 100 spectacular animal photographs features a polar bear peering into an ice hole in search of a seal snack, a chameleon enduring a sandstorm in the Namib Desert and a black bear cooling off in a California backyard swimming pool.

The world-renowned competition and exhibition, now in its sixty-second year, is the most prestigious nature photography event of its kind. This year, a panel of experts selected the photographs from a record-breaking 65,403 entries from 121 countries worldwide.

Norwegian photographer Audun Rikardsen captured this photograph of a polar bear. He noticed bear tracks near a hole in the Arctic sea ice north of Svalbard. Seals use the holes to surface for air, but it can be risky when hungry polar bears are around. Audun set up an underwater camera with a motion sensor in the hole and waited. Eight hours later, a bear triggered the camera, producing this striking photograph, titled Icy Window.

Kathy Moran, Chair of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition jury, said she was impressed by the latest batch of entrants.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

“Every year I think the entries to our competition can’t get any stronger and every year I am proven wrong! These images pave the way for a deepened appreciation and commitment to our natural world."

Dr Doug Gurr, Director of the Natural History Museum, said the images selected this year were “truly extraordinary”.

“This exhibition offers visitors a rare opportunity to experience the wonder of our planet through the eyes of some of the world’s most talented photographers. At a time when nature is under more pressure than ever before, these photographs remind us of both what is at stake and what is worth protecting. It will be impossible to leave without feeling a renewed sense of wonder for our incredible planet.”

Canterbury Museum Tumuaki Matua/Director Anthony Wright said he was pleased to bring the exhibition to New Zealand so fresh from the London opening.

“Cantabrians love Wildlife Photographer of the Year and we are delighted to bring the latest exhibition to Waitaha Canterbury so soon after the opening at the Natural History Museum in London.”

Canterbury Museum Pop-Up, 66 Gloucester Street, Christchurch. Exhibition runs 7 November to 26 April, 9.00 am to 5.30 pm. Free entry; donations appreciated. Wildlife Photographer of the Year is on loan from the Natural History Museum, London.

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading