Captivating! The best pics of nature - as taken in British zoos, aquariums and reserves

The British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) has unveiled the winners of its annual photography competition, highlighting some of the most captivating images of wildlife captured within British and Irish zoos, aquariums, and reserves. Fourteen photographs were selected from over 800 entries submitted by photographers across the region, each judged based on content, composition, and overall image quality. The competition aimed to celebrate both the beauty of nature and the critical role played by zoos and aquariums in conservation efforts. The winning images span multiple categories, including mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, native species, and a newly introduced category focusing on humans working in conservation. Each entry showcases the diversity of life found in these institutions, offering a glimpse into the daily lives of animals and the dedication of those who care for them. The photographs will feature prominently in BIAZA’s 2027 calendar, alongside notable dates for nature enthusiasts such as the birthday of renowned naturalist David Attenborough. In the Mammal category, Thomas Harris’s photograph titled Still I Rise, capturing a muddy elephant at Colchester Zoo, was declared the winner. This image highlights the resilience and strength often associated with large mammals. Meanwhile, Gareth Clifford claimed victory in the Birds category with a striking shot of an electric blue vulturine at Norfolk Wildlife Reserve. His image brings attention to the vibrant plumage and unique characteristics of avian species. David Lynch’s close-up of a reptile titled Mid-nap breather from the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth secured him the top prize in the Reptile category. The image captures a moment of relaxation in the often-overlooked world of reptiles. Peter Baird’s photograph Forest Lantern, depicting a glowing mushroom, took first place in the Native Species category, emphasizing the importance of preserving indigenous flora and fauna. In the Fish category, Jess Reddy’s contrasting blue and orange shot titled Eye of the Lion was chosen as the winner. This image draws attention to the vivid colors and patterns found among aquatic life. Gareth Clifford once again emerged victorious, this time in the Human category, with his photo Early Rounds taken at Norfolk Wildlife Reserve. The image celebrates the individuals dedicated to animal conservation through their work. Ellie Richard’s snapshot of a speckled crab at Bournemouth’s Oceanarium earned her first place in the Invertebrate category. The photograph underscores the often-misunderstood world of small creatures that play crucial roles in ecosystems. Jennifer-Louise Read’s gleaming shot of an invertebrate at Chester Zoo was recognized as the runner-up in the same category. Fred Wall’s photograph of a gorilla titled Our Endangered Brothers, taken at Twycross Zoo, received the runner-up award in the Mammal category. Jonathan Isaacs captured a yellow bird constructing its intricate nest at Marwell Wildlife Conservation, securing him the runner-up position in the Birds category. Jagz Bharth’s image of an open-mouthed lizard titled The Singing Skink from Hertfordshire Zoo was awarded the runner-up spot in the Reptile category. Rebekah Weatherhead’s shot of a blenny fish titled Tompot's Pot from the Oceanarium in Bournemouth earned her the runner-up position in the Fish category. Celyn Stephens’s photograph The Watcher, featuring a striking stag at Whipsnade Zoo, was recognized as the runner-up in the Native Species category. Lastly, Jo Brown’s mystical image taken at Whipsnade Zoo secured her the runner-up spot in the Human category, celebrating the dedication of those working in conservation.