Sumatran tiger

Driven by his passion for tigers, photographer Vladimir Cech Jr. spent four years visiting Southeast Asia’s jungles to capture images of the rare Sumatran tiger. This critically endangered species is rarely photographed in the wild, but Cech’s tenacity—and camera traps—made his dream a reality. The resulting portfolio of imagery is a wonderful look at life below the jungle canopy, giving a glimpse inside a world that often goes unseen.

Cech first began his project in 2019, and put diligent time and effort into it, even during the difficult years of COVID-19. By installing homemade DSLR camera traps, he hoped to document the elusive Sumatran tiger, but this proved to be more challenging than he had imagined. While the camera traps documented plenty of the jungle’s inhabitants, he continued to turn up empty-handed when it came to the tiger. But all that changed in the fall of 2024.

“I thought I was dreaming,” he tells My Modern Met when recalling the moment he first saw the tiger on film. All of his hard work had come to fruition, allowing him to fulfill his goal of shedding light on the Sumatran tiger and its plight.

This tiger, the smallest surviving subspecies, has seen its habitat reduced to a small area and faces significant risks. Poaching and habitat loss are major contributing factors. Deforestation for oil palm plantations is particularly devastating, as these tigers prefer large, undisturbed areas of forest to thrive. While many tigers live on protected land, poaching is still a harsh reality, particularly as their bones and other body parts continue to be used in Eastern medicine.

While Cech’s series has gone as viral as he’d wanted, he’s still hopeful that it can make an impact. “Hopefully, it will have the reach that the Sumatran tiger deserves.” In the meantime, he continues his documentation in Sumatra and is working on a new project to fulfill another of his big dreams. Stay tuned and follow Vladimir Cech Jr. on Instagram to see what he’s up to on this secret mission.

Since 2019, Vladimir Cech Jr. has been traveling to Indonesia in the hopes of photographing the Sumatran tiger.

This critically endangered tiger is found only in the jungles of Sumatra.

Cech has been placing homemade camera traps for years and has captured numerous forest inhabitants.

Sun bear

Sumatran serow

Banded linsang

Southern pig-tailed macaque

Porcupine

Langur monkey

Thomas's langur

But it wasn’t until the fall of 2024 that he finally got a glimpse of the elusive tiger.

Vladimir Cech Jr.: Website | Instagram | Facebook

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Vladimir Cech Jr.

Related Articles:

Exceptionally Rare All-Black Penguin Caught on Camera by Wildlife Photographer

Camera Trap Photos Capture LA’s Surprising Wildlife With City Lights in the Distance

Wildlife Camera Trap Unexpectedly Snaps Funny Photo of Mystery Man Striking a Pose

Scientists Use Camera Traps To Create World’s Largest Photo Database of Amazon Wildlife

READ: Photographer Spend Years Traveling to Sumatra to Track Elusive Tiger

Take a look at this photo by wildlife photographer Inger Vandyke. What do you see? At first glance, it simply looks like a few animals on a rocky cliff. But, hidden within this serene scene is a predator looking to attack.

Taken in Ladakh, India, with guests on an expedition for her company Wild Images Photo Tours, there's actually an elusive snow leopard in plain sight. If you don't see it, that's completely normal, as these cats are known for their ability to camouflage. In fact, it was only thanks to Vandyke's 25 years of experience tracking remote wildlife that she was able to catch the scene.

“The snow leopard in this photo is so well hidden that, when we had this experience with him,” she shares. “I was left wondering how many I might have walked past without knowing they are actually there.”

On this occasion, she and her guests had been tracking the snow leopard for five days when she spied a group of blue sheep on the hill. Knowing that the snow leopard was sleeping nearby and thinking that their presence might bring out the leopard's hunting instinct, the group waited. And thanks to that decision, they were handsomely rewarded when the snow leopard slinked into a hiding place behind a rock.

“Getting groundbreaking images like this requires a combination of patience, understanding your camera, and also having an understanding of snow leopard biology and behavior,” Vandyke tells My Modern Met. “With wildlife, it is never enough to really just know your camera. If you are aware of an animal's behavior, enough to be able to second-guess what it will do next, then you are going to get better images simply because you are ready for them.”

Even though the photograph was taken six years ago, it continues to make the rounds online, with people trying to figure out where the snow leopard is hidden. Calling it the “ultimate ‘Where's Waldo' wildlife image,” Vandyke is pleased by its success and hopes that it spurs people to think about the state of these rare, endangered animals.

“The issue is, although they camouflage well, they are still classified by the IUCN as Vulnerable or Endangered, depending on where they live.  They fall victim to human wildlife conflict issues when they attack livestock and are then killed themselves.  Sadly, in places where they are not protected, they are also trophy hunted.

“Thankfully, in Ladakh, they are very heavily protected and, because of this, it remains one of the best places in the world to see wild Snow Leopards.  I hope that this photo raises awareness for their conservation through fascination.  I hope it makes people take a second look and learn about Snow Leopards, rather than just idly scrolling past the photo.”

Still don't see the snow leopard? Scroll down and we'll make it easy for you.

Snow leopards are masters of camouflage.

Beautiful close-up photo of rare Snow Leopard. (Photo: sailorr/Depositphotos)

While leading an expedition in Ladakh, India, photographer Inger Vandyke captured this well-camouflaged snow leopard stalking a group of blue sheep. Do you see it?

How about now?

Here’s an even closer look.

Inger Vandyke: Website | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Inger Vandyke.

Related Articles:

Epic Snow Tiger Battle Wins 2024 Nature Photographer of the Year

Young Snow Leopard Bares Its Teeth at Camera in Wonderful Candid Photo

There’s a Snow Leopard Expertly Camouflaged in This Photo But Can You Spot It?

Watch Two Years’ Worth of the Best Animal Sightings From Wildlife Trail Cameras

READ: Can You Spot the Snow Leopard Hidden In This Viral Photo?

Wildlife photographer Hardik Shelat has once again shown that perseverance pays off with a series of incredible flying fox photos. Shelat photographed these exceptional animals, also known as Indian fruit bats, while they got a reprieve from the summer heat by splashing in a river. It's an exceptionally rare moment to capture, as these animals are nocturnal.

Shelat and his fellow photographers endured the scorching heat in Gujarat, India, with temperatures reaching over 110°F, to get the shots that he was after.

“It was a summer afternoon and we were on a day trip to click these amazing creatures, the fruit bat,” he tolds PetaPixel. “We waited almost two and a half hours with nothing to see in the intense heat. We were sweating it out and keeping ourselves hydrated by drinking water.”

Finally, the bats flew down from the trees to cool off, as the high temperatures forced them to make a daytime appearance to stay hydrated. For Shelat, it was a rare treat to see how active these nocturnal animals appeared, likely spurred on by the heat.

His photographs show the flying foxes, wings outstretched as they dip into the river. In photographing them, Shelat gives us a sense of their grandeur as one of the largest bats in the world. With a wingspan that stretches anywhere from 4 to 5 feet, it's an impressive sight.

For Shelat, watching them swoop down from the trees and splash into the water was a highlight that made the long wait in the heat well worth it. He hopes that viewers will appreciate the effort in giving this unique glimpse of a nocturnal animal that is active by day.

Hardik Shelat waited over two hours in scorching temperatures to photograph flying foxes cooling themselves in a river in Gujarat, India.

Also known as Indian fruit bats, they are nocturnal animals, but the summer heat causes them to wake and drink during the day.

Hardik Shelat: Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Hardik Shelat.

Related Articles:

Photographer Captures Epic Battle Between Great Blue Heron and a Snake

Photographer Captures Adorable Japanese Pika With Its Tongue Sticking Out

Wildlife Photographer Captures Mid-Air Battle of Two Birds Fighting for Dinner

Photographer Waits 8 Hours in Scorching Heat To Snap His Dream Photo of a Lion [Interview]

READ: Photographer Captures Rare Photos of Flying Foxes Cooling Down in a River

An 8 ½-week-old, royal white phase Bengal tiger, Panthera tigris, at Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, 2014. (Photo: Joel Sartore/National Geographic Photo Ark)

For nearly 20 years, Joel Sartore has been on a mission to photograph every animal species living in a zoo, aquarium, or wildlife sanctuary. It's all part of Photo Ark, which has a mission to bring attention to at-risk species. In a new book, Sartore focuses his attention on the many baby animals he's photographed along the way.

Photo Ark Babies, published by National Geographic Press, showcases over 150 youngsters from across the animal kingdom. From an 8-week-old white Bengal tiger to 100-day-old panda cubs, Sartore's portraits offer a beautiful glimpse into future generations carrying on species at risk.

Each portrait is accompanied by some brief text explaining something about the baby animal, whether it be special markings they outgrow or how they keep themselves safe while waiting for their mom to return with food. It's these facts and behaviors that fascinate Sartore, as they show the early survival instincts that keep these animals safe.

At the same time, Sartore is acutely aware of the power these baby animals possess thanks to their adorable faces. And he hopes that this can be used to encourage the public to think more about the animals that we need to save to make our world a better place.

“I wonder what the future holds for the babies in this book,” he writes. “Will they tug at enough heartstrings to inspire us to improve the planet at long last? Will we humans realize what a gift this all is and start saving the wild places that elephants (along with every other creature) need to thrive and raise their young? I sure hope so. After all, when we save other species, we’re actually saving ourselves.

A new book by Joel Sartore focuses on portraits of adorable baby animals.

Twin giant panda cubs, Ailuropoda melanoleuca, at Zoo Atlanta, Georgia, 2013. (Photo: Joel Sartore/National Geographic Photo Ark)

A juvenile red flanked duiker, Cephalophus rufilatus, at the Los Angeles Zoo, 2016. (Photo: Joel Sartore/National Geographic Photo Ark)

A Japanese macaque or snow monkey, Macaca fuscata, at the Blank Park Zoo, Des Moines, Iowa, 2017. (Photo: Joel Sartore/National Geographic Photo Ark)

Photo Ark Babies features over 150 youngsters from across the animal kingdom.

Joel Sartore Photography: Website | Facebook | Instagram 

My Modern Met granted permission to use photos by National Geographic Press.

Related Articles:

Striking Portraits of Rare and Endangered Birds With Unique Personalities

Photographer Captures Brilliant Bird Portraits to Help Save Endangered Species

Interview: Human-Like Micro-Expressions of Endangered Animals Around the World

Joel Sartore Reflects on 15 Years of Photographing At-Risk Species for Photo Ark [Interview]

READ: Photographer Captures Adorable Portraits of Over 150 Baby Animals

“Go away” by Annette Kirby (Australia). Animal: White Tailed Sea Eagle. Location of shot: Hokkaido, Japan
“This was taken in Japan, where I was observing a White-Tailed Sea Eagle putting their fish in a hole and protecting it. This one had a fish and saw another Eagle coming in to try and steal it.”

The Nikon Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards has another month before it closes for entries, but we're getting a little taste of what's in store this year thanks to a fun preview released by the organizers. From cute eagles to lively lions, these photographs are a fun way to see the playful side of nature.

The competition, which began in 2015, uses humor to promote the conservation of wildlife and their habitats. To that end, it has once again paired with a charitable organization that promotes global conservation groups. Whitley Fund for Nature (WFN) is a UK charity that has spent the last three decades supporting conservation leaders working in their home countries.

All this means that not only can you laugh while looking at these photos, you can also feel good about the contest's ethos. Stand-out images from these early entries include Annette Kirby's look at a white-tailed sea eagle emerging from a fishing hole. With its beak slightly open, it almost appears to be saying “Surprise!” as it pops up. Rachelle Mackintosh's look at an intrepid lava lizard hitching a ride on the head of a very serious-looking Galapagos marine iguana is another fun photo that is also a glimpse at the relationships that form in nature.

Scroll down to see more exceptional early entries, and if you have your own funny photo, you still have time to enter the 2025 contest. It's free to enter, and submissions are being accepted until June 30, 2025. Enter now for your chance to win the grand prize—a once-in-a-lifetime safari at Kenya's Maasai Mara.

The Nikon Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards has released some exceptional early entries from the 2025 contest.

“Commandeer” by Rachelle Mackintosh (Australia). Animal: Galapagos marine iguana and lava lizard. Location of shot: Fernandina Island, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
“A lava lizard takes charge of a Galapagos marine iguana and sets off on a ride. Judging by the iguana's possessed eyes, lava lizard may have taken over its soul, too. These two silly billies were hanging out with a big bunch of marine iguanas on a rocky beach.”

“Queueing for the polar plunge” by Martin Schmid (Austria). Animal: Gentoo Penguins. Location of shot: Neumayer Channel, Antarctica
“A really spontaneous shot from an expedition ship in Antarctica. Those gentoo penguins seemed to orderly wait in queue to finally jump into the sea. Taken in January 2025.”

“Aaaaaww Mum!” by Mark Meth-Cohn (UK). Animal: Gorilla. Location of shot: Rwanda
“Caring Gorilla mum giving her infant a big sloppy kiss!”

From cute eagles to lively lions, these photographs are a fun way to see the playful side of nature.

“Waving Dragon” by Trevor Rix (Australia). Animal: Gippsland Waterdragon. Location of shot: Murrumbidgee River near Canberra, ACT, Australia
“Wandering along the Murrumbidgee River we spotted a few lizards scurrying under the rocks looking for lunch, next thing this junior Gippsland Waterdragon popped up and gave us a friendly wave.”

“Go give it a try!” by Bhargava Srivari (India). Animal: Lion. Location of shot: Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
“The image shows Lion siblings at play, where one of the siblings seems to be pushing the other one to do stuff that annoys their mom. Lions aren't natural climbers, so it looks like one sibling is encouraging the other to do something naughty!”

The contest, which is free to enter, is accepting submissions until June 30.

“Laugh like no one is watching” by Emma Parker (Australia). Animal: Blue Spotted Mudskipper. Location of shot: Western Australia
“Two joyful mudskippers look like they are having the best time in the mud — I just wish I knew what the joke was! Mud is fun.”

“Happy deer” by Jeremy Duvekot (Netherlands). Animal: Roe deer. Location of shot: The Netherlands
“This roe deer was joyfully running around and suddenly came my way. Had only one chance and nailed it.”

“The wig” by Yann Chauvette (Canada). Animal: Greater One-Horned Rhino. Location: Chitwan National Park, Nepal
“A Greater One-Horned Rhino feasting on aquatic fine dining, diving underwater, and getting back up with a new wig made out of his delicious meal.”

“I Hate IKEA” by Brian Hempstead (USA). Animal: Common Myna Nest Build. Location of shot: Kruger National Park, South Africa
“Photo taken at Kruger NP, South Africa, outside Skukuza Camp on Lower Sabie Rd at Sunset Dam in October and November during a self-driving birding trip around National Parks of South Africa.”

Nikon Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards: Website | Facebook | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by the Nikon Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards.

Related Articles:

Funny Finalists of the 2024 Comedy Pet Photography Awards

Adorably Funny Winners of the 2024 Comedy Pet Photo Awards

Kangaroo Strumming an Air Guitar Wins Comedy Wildlife Photo Awards

Funny Winners of the 2024 Nikon Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards

READ: Funny Early Entries of the 2025 Nikon Comedy Wildlife Photo Awards

The natural world is full of epic bouts that make for equally epic photographs. But to do that, it involves luck, timing, and patience on the part of the photographer. Henrik Nilsson recently captured incredible action shots of a marsh hawk (aka northern harrier) stealing a meal from a short-eared owl in mid-air. The crisp, dynamic images are simultaneously a look at nature's beauty and its ferociousness.

Nilsson is based in southwestern British Columbia, Canada, where short-eared owls arrive from the north during wintertime. “Their preferred habitat includes grasslands and marshes,” Nilsson explains to My Modern Met. “It is an environment usually shared with other raptors, including northern harriers. This particular owl had just successfully hunted a vole. However, its prize was quickly discovered by a female harrier. Harriers will often try to steal prey from the owls, and thus an aerial battle ensued.”

You never know when that magical image will come along; it’s often about being in the right place at the right time. “The image was captured as I was returning to my vehicle towards the end of the day after photographing the owls in flight,” he recalls. “It was an unexpected moment that lasted mere seconds.”

Luckily, Nilsson still had his camera gear out and ready to go. “After a rather quick scramble, I was able to capture only a few images before the airborne battle was over. The owl made twists and turns but with talons locked, it decided to let go of the vole.” The harrier won the meal.

To see more of the photographer’s work, you can follow Henrik Nilsson on Instagram, where he shares many wildlife videos.

Photographer Henrik Nilsson captured incredible action shots of a northern harrier stealing a rodent from a short-eared owl in mid-air.

Henrik Nilsson: Website | Instagram | YouTube

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Henrik Nilsson.

Related Articles:

Funny Winners of the 2024 Nikon Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards

Photographer Captures a Tiny Crimson Sunbird Bathing in a Banana Flower Petal Pool

Birders Shatter World Record by Documenting Over 7,800 Species of Birds Within a Single Day

READ: Wildlife Photographer Captures Mid-Air Battle of Two Birds Fighting for Dinner

Great blue herons and snakes have a complex relationship that goes beyond the simple dynamic between predator and prey. These large water birds can take on large water snakes, which often make for incredible battles as the two animals tussle. Florida-based wildlife photographer Marcos Rodriguez is quite familiar with these dynamics, as he's often witnessed these fights for survival.

Recently, some images of a great blue heron and a snake the photographer took in late February have gone viral. In the photographs, the bird has the snake's head in its mouth, but the serpent, not ready to give up, has coiled itself around the heron's beak. Rodriguez has already witnessed one fight between a heron and a snake that day. But this instance, which occurred close to where he was standing, was particularly satisfying because he arrived as the heron first caught the snake. This allowed him to document the scene in its entirety, with the photographer likening it to “having VIP seats to a concert.”

“Throughout the whole ordeal, there were moments where the great blue heron looked like it had the upper hand and being successful at tiring the snake, and then all of a sudden, the snake would get a second wind and coil back around the bird's neck,” he tells My Modern Met.

“There were other times when it looked as if the snake was going to be able to get off the heron’s grip, but then the heron would manage to hold tighter. It was an absolute thriller.”

All told, the tussle took about 20 minutes, with Rodriguez not entirely sure of who would make it out on top. However, in the end, the great blue heron wore out its opponent and feasted on the snake. For Rodriguez, who took about 100 photos of the thrilling moment, it was a wonderful reminder of the unexpected joys one can find in nature.

As the photographs make their rounds across the internet, Rodriguez has gotten messages from many people indicating that they'd like to get the scene tattooed on their bodies, something he considers “the highest validation anyone can get.” Of course, in this day and age, many were also skeptical of the scene, calling it AI-generated. Rather than being offended, the photographer looks at this as a sort of compliment.

“I guess nowadays that is code for ‘These pictures are so amazing no human would be able to capture them.'”

To see more of his stunning bird photography, follow Marcos Rodriguez on Instagram. For prints, including images of the heron and snake, check out his online shop.

Florida-based wildlife photographer Marcos Rodriguez documented a battle between a great blue heron and a snake.

While it was an epic tussle that lasted about 20 minutes, the bird won out in the end.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Marcos Rodriguez (@wild.tigre)

Marcos Rodriguez: Website | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Marcos Rodriguez.

Related Articles:

Split-Second Photo Captures Osprey With Symmetrical Reflection

Jaw-Dropping Photo of Bobcat Leaping up To Snatch a Blue Heron Out of the Sky

Photographer Captures Amazing Photo of Two Eagles Locking Their Talons in Mid Air

Bold Parakeet Biting a Lizard’s Tail Wins SINWP Bird Photographer of the Year Contest

READ: Photographer Captures Epic Battle Between Great Blue Heron and a Snake

A pair of flamingos that appear to be salsa dancing together, their beaks touching as if locked in a kiss. A panda cub tumbling over itself, a suggestion of a pink tongue sneaking out between its lips. A timeless embrace between a baby orangutan and its mother. These are only a few of the photographs featured in Pedro Jarque Krebs’s newest book, WildLOVE, published by TeNeues.

As possibly the world’s most awarded wildlife photographer, Krebs is a master at capturing animals both big and small, whimsical and insightful, opulent and understated, comical and serene. WildLOVE serves as the photographer’s second illustrated book, and further cements his exceptional command over the medium. Like much of his portfolio, the images featured in WildLOVE also showcase their subjects without extraneous input: all animals are shot, perhaps idiosyncratically, against a black background. The effect is one of utter immersion and dedicated focus, forcing viewers to fully engage with the animal in front of them.

Because of this, Krebs is able to achieve a remarkable level of detail in each composition. One image depicts a pair of macaws soaring through the air, their feathers practically vibrating with rich blues, reds, and greens. Another image presents a lion vigorously shaking his head, his mane spraying out from him like the rays of a cartoon sun. Even with the most cursory of glances, one can already discern the rough texture of his fur, the moist tip of his nose, the pointed ends of his whiskers.

When flipping through WildLOVE, you might be struck by a rather surprising thought: these animals almost resemble humans. They look so purposefully into Krebs’ lens. The theatrics of their gestures seem too intentional to be spontaneous—they share knowing smiles with us, they pose, they model, they walk as if strutting down a runway. This is the undeniable essence of Krebs’ photography, and the reason behind his immense popularity.

“Non-human animals are exceptional models. They have endless possibilities,” Krebs said in an interview with 1x Magazine. “Their expressions often invite us to reflect about our own condition. They’re like mirrors.”

In a feature for the World Photography Organization, he added: “I want my photographs to be the portrait of the souls of the animals that share this space and time with us. I want to show them in all their splendor.”

It almost goes without saying that Krebs succeeds in his goals. His photographs provide ample evidence for how inexhaustible, distinct, and vivid animals can be, and his newest monograph should be no exception to that fact.

WildLOVE is slated to be released on May 6, 2025, and is currently available for preorder via Bookshop.

Pedro Jarque Krebs’ newest book WildLOVE captures animals both big and small, whimsical and insightful, comical and serene.

The book showcases the photographer’s signature style of capturing animals in studio settings against black backdrops, highlighting their personalities.

“Non-human animals are exceptional models. They have endless possibilities.”

WildLOVE will be available on May 6, 2025, published by TeNeues.

“WildLOVE” by Pedro Jarque Krebs (TeNeues Publishers, May 2025). Available via Bookshop.

Pedro Jarque Krebs: Website | Instagram
TeNeues: Website | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by TeNeues.

Related Articles:

A Street Savvy Fox Wins the 2025 British Wildlife Photography Awards

Photographer Travels 900 Miles To Capture Unusual Orange Snowy Owl

Why This Photographer Dedicates Her Practice to the Quiet Strength of Horses [Interview]

Evocative Photography Book Explores the Parallels Between War and Peace

READ: WildLOVE: Beautiful Portraits of Animals Who Look Like Photogenic Fashion Models

Xavier Ortega, “Mbili bora in the rain,” Masai Mara, Kenya.

When she encountered a poached elephant in Northern Kenya in 2014, British wildlife photographer Margot Raggett decided to take action. The resulting collective, Remembering Wildlife, has since published countless books dedicated to raising funds for endangered species, including cheetahs, bears, great apes, and, for its inaugural edition back in 2016, elephants. Since its founding, Remembering Wildlife has raised over $1.55 million to benefit 79 wildlife projects in 34 countries. This October, Remembering Wildlife will release the 10th title in its book series, encompassing new images selected via a competition alongside some of the best content featured in its previous publications.

This year’s competition produced 20 winning photographs, meticulously curated from a pool of over 4,500 submissions, for 10 Years of Remembering Wildlife. Each image captures its animal subject with a remarkable sense of immediacy, conjuring distinct landscapes, textures, and atmospheres across countries like India, Canada, and Uganda. Wildlife photography can easily veer into the romantic or sentimental, but these images are instead raw, candid portraits of the animals we stand to lose without direct conservation efforts.

One particularly evocative photograph by Bircan Harper, for instance, exploits a tight composition to emphasize the tiger at its center. With its head slightly tilted and grazing a clear pool of water beneath it, the tiger appears meditative, almost somber, as it averts its blank gaze away from us. Another image by Tom Way is similarly solemn, showcasing a bleak landscape full of cracked, withered ground. In the distance is a setting sun and the monumental shadow of an elephant. Where, the photograph seems to ask us, is this elephant going to quench its thirst, when the earth around it is so unyielding?

Other photographs depict groups of animals, perhaps to evoke themes of community, resilience, and tenderness. Marcus Westberg shines with a touching composition of African wild dog puppies, while Kim Paffen’s photograph of a mountain gorilla holding her baby suggests the timelessness of a mother’s touch, regardless of species. Julie Oldroyd presents a scene of polar bear cubs climbing across their slumbering parent, eager, playful, and ultimately oblivious to how climate change has impacted the world around them.

“Through the sales of this book, we can raise awareness of the threats faced by wildlife as a whole and can raise funds to support those on the front line,” Raggett said in a statement. “The conservation world has been devastated by the recent USAID cuts and this is a way for the rest of us to stand up and say it is unacceptable.”

Slated to release on October 6, 2025, 10 Years of Remembering Wildlife offers a poignant and timely glimpse into the animals most threatened by climate change, habitat loss, and poaching, such as the pangolin, which stands as the world’s most trafficked mammal. To learn more about the upcoming book and the collective’s mission, visit the Remembering Wildlife website.

Published by the British collective Remembering Wildlife, 10 Years of Remembering Wildlife will honor endangered animals through photography.

Jagdeep Rajput, “A Touching Moment,” Corbett National Park, India.

Griet Van Malderen, “Gama, the beach huntress,” Namibia.

Marcus Westberg, “Puppy Love,” Tswalu Kalahari Nature Reserve, South Africa.

Kim Paffen, “In the Arms of Eternity: A Mother's Timeless Promise,” Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda.

The book includes 20 images of endangered animals, all selected through a photography contest with over 4,500 submissions.

Julie Oldroyd, “Age of Innocence,” Baffin Island, Canada.

Bircan Harper, “Tiger Reflection,” Bandhavgarh National Park, India.

Mark Meth-Cohn, “Cold Callers Welcome,” Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, India.

All proceeds from 10 Years of Remembering Wildlife will be set aside for conversation efforts.

Tom Way, “Thirst,” Kenya.

Ifham Raji, “Leopard Enjoying Morning Sun Break,” Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka.

Johann du Toit, “5 at Blue hour,” Shompole Hide, Kenya.

Since its founding in 2016, Remembering Wildlife has raised over $1.55 million to benefit 79 wildlife projects in 34 countries.

James Gifford, “Fire of Creation,” Kalahari, Botswana.

Torie Hilley, “Entourage,” Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe.

“10 Years of Remembering Wildlife” book cover, featuring an image by Tristan Dicks of a Temminck's pangolin. The book will be published by Remembering Wildlife in October 2025.

Remembering Wildlife: Website | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Remembering Wildlife.

Related Articles:

100-Year-Old Tortoise Becomes First-Time Mom and Savior of a Species

Why This Photographer Dedicates Her Practice to the Quiet Strength of Horses [Interview]

Adorable Marsupial Who Nearly Went Extinct in South Australia Is Now Making a Comeback

Monarch Butterfly Population Is Near a 30-Year Record Low in North America

READ: 20 Stunning Photos of Wildlife and Endangered Animals Will Benefit Conservation Efforts

In January, when wildlife photographer Julie Maggert heard about an orange-tinted snowy owl near Lake Huron, she knew she had to see it for herself. And in early February, after driving 900 miles over four days and spending nearly 29 hours sitting and waiting, she was rewarded handsomely with the images that she was looking for.

Though Maggert spotted the owl several times, she wasn't able to get the clean shot that she was after. Determined to meet the owl one more time before other obligations would tie her up for several weeks, she and her husband made one last trip and spent the day waiting to make the photograph happen.

“There she was, on a pole. They usually get on poles overseeing fields for mice, voles, and other prey. I parked and shut my truck off to not disturb her,” she tells My Modern Met. “She was on a less than attractive utility pole with a bunch of lines running through it. My dream shots of this snowy diminished as fast as it came on.

“She finally flew off that pole onto a more ‘clean' pole, and once again, all this time and hard work paid off. I got the shots of her I had been envisioning. It is always a bittersweet moment when your hard work and planning pays off. Now, it's time to focus on a different photography goal. What a dream come true to finally capture this uniquely rare snowy owl in all her beauty.”

Maggert's photographs of “Creamsicle,” as she calls the owl, have been making the rounds online. They've even earned her publication in The New York Times, as people try to understand the reason behind the owl's unusual coloration. Just how rare is it?  Denver Holt, director of the Owl Research Institute, said that the organization had “never seen any plumage aberration, or anything like what is in the photos of the owl” in its 35 years of study.

While some have speculated that the snowy owl may have been hit with de-icing fluid at an airport, which has a similar tint, others believe that it could be a genetic aberration. But without further testing of its feathers, there is no way to know for certain.

For Maggert, no matter what the case, Creamsicle’s portrait remains a once-in-a-lifetime photograph. And she hopes that, for others, the images serve as a reminder of the power of persistence and the willingness to be patient with wildlife.

Wildlife photographer Julie Maggert drove 900 miles over 4 days to get incredible shots of an unusual orange snowy owl near Lake Huron.

Julie Maggert: Instagram | Facebook

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Julie Maggert.

Related Articles:

Extremely Rare All-White Orca Captured on Film in Hokkaido

Photographer Gets Rare Glimpse of British Columbia’s Spirit Bears

Watch a Kindhearted Man Rescue an Injured Owl That Was Stuck in Barbed Wire

Exceptionally Rare All-Black Penguin Caught on Camera by Wildlife Photographer

READ: Photographer Travels 900 Miles To Capture Unusual Orange Snowy Owl