Wildlife Photographer of the Year, July 7–December 3

On loan from the Natural History Museum in London, the world-renowned exhibition, Wildlife Photographer of the Year, is being showcased at Auckland War Memorial Museum.

The travelling, free exhibition opened in Auckland on July 7, and features 100 awe-inspiring images of the natural world. With imagery that depicts both the majesty and vulnerability of life on our planet, the photo show displays fascinating animal behaviour and breathtaking wild landscapes — from spotted hyenas to humpback whales, and urban leopards to wild orangutans.

“It’s a privilege to be able to offer this world-class exhibition free to Aucklanders,” says museum director Dr David Gaimster.

“Auckland Museum is a dynamic space and we strive to create an ever-changing programme of special exhibitions and events for the people of this city.”

Wildlife Photographer of the Year is developed and produced by the Natural History Museum, London, and provides a global platform that has showcased the natural world’s most astonishing and challenging sights for over 50 years. The competition launched in 1965 and attracted 361 entries, having since grown to receive almost 50,000 entries from 96 countries.

Jan English, Head of Touring Exhibitions at the Natural History Museum, says “Wildlife Photographer of the Year celebrates the very best nature photography, and it is consistently one of our most successful touring exhibitions, enjoyed by millions every year. These images tell thought-provoking stories about our planet that prompt us all to think differently about the natural world and the future we want to create.”