Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2021

Under the protonage of H. E. Dr. Khaled A. Al-Fadhel, Previous Director General of the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS), the Advancement of Sciences Publishing (ASPD) and the Scientific Center of Kuwait (TSCK), hosted the world-renwoned Wild Photographer of the Year Exhibition - on loan from the Natural History Museum in London - at the Scientific Center in Salmiya in December 2022 .Featuring exceptional images that capture fascinating animal behavior, spectacular species, and the breathtaking diversity of the natural world. The exhibition harnessed the power of photography to advance scientific knowledge. Using photography’s unique emotive power to engage and inspire audiences, the images shine a light on stories and species around the world and encourage a future of advocating for the planet.

Wildlife Photographer of the Year is the most prestigious photography event of its kind, providing a global platform that showcases the natural world’s most astonishing and challenging sights for over 55 years. Launching in 1965 and attracting 361 entries, today the competition receives over 50,000 entries from all over the world, highlighting its enduring appeal.

With a record-breaking number of entries from 95 countries, the judges of the fifty-seventh Wildlife Photographer of the Year had the toughest job yet. Every entry was judged anonymously on its creativity, originality, and technical excellence by an international panel of industry experts.

The winning images, including the prestigious Grand Title Award winners, were announced on 12 October 2021 in an online awards show. Broadcast live from the Natural History Museum in London, the event was hosted by BBC presenters, wildlife experts Chris Packham and Megan McCubbin, feature photographers, museum scientists, and special guests.

“These extraordinary images showcase the rich diversity of life on Earth and spark curiosity and wonder,” said Doug Gurr, Director of the Natural History Museum. “Telling the story of a planet under pressure, the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition illuminates the urgent challenges we face and the collective action we need to take. This year’s inspiring exhibition will move and empower audiences to advocate for the natural world.”

The exhibition, which opened its doors to the public free of charge in the Scientific Center building in Salmiya, continued until the end of December 2022, and attracted more than sixty thousand visitors.

Photos: Omar al sayed omar