The first images from the Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2025 competition have been unveiled by London’s Natural History Museum, chosen from a record 60,636 entries worldwide. From a lion facing down a cobra in the Serengeti to magnified mould spores in a British woodland, the photographs capture the diversity, beauty, and fragility of the natural world. The powerful selection highlights humanity’s relationship with nature, offering a striking preview ahead of the winners’ announcement on 14 October 2025. Above, “Rutting Call” — A red deer stag stands tall in Bradgate Park, Leicestershire. Captured by UK photographer Jamie Smart, the image was highly commended in the under-10s category of the 2025 Wildlife Photographer of the Year awards.

The first images from the Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2025 competition have been unveiled by London’s Natural History Museum, chosen from a record 60,636 entries worldwide. From a lion facing down a cobra in the Serengeti to magnified mould spores in a British woodland, the photographs capture the diversity, beauty, and fragility of the natural world. The powerful selection highlights humanity’s relationship with nature, offering a striking preview ahead of the winners’ announcement on 14 October 2025. Above, “Rutting Call” — A red deer stag stands tall in Bradgate Park, Leicestershire. Captured by UK photographer Jamie Smart, the image was highly commended in the under-10s category of the 2025 Wildlife Photographer of the Year awards.Jamie Smart/2025 Wildlife Photographer of the Year awards.