A photo of an elephant bathing in mud won the photo contest
A photo of an African elephant enjoying a mud bath won the "Mammals" category of the BIAZA 2026 photo contest. In the contest, where more than 800 works were submitted, shots featuring an unusual bird on a frosty morning, a fish with a mysterious gaze, and a tiny crab hidden among sea anemone tentacles were also recognized.
A picture of an elephant bathing in mud won a photo contest
Nature photographs invite us to take a closer look at the creatures living with us on the same planet. Small details that go unnoticed in daily life, interesting animal behaviors, and unexpected moments appear completely different through the photographers' lenses.
The BIAZA Photo Competition 2026 also brought together such moments. Photographs taken in zoos, aquariums, and natural habitats across the United Kingdom and Ireland were submitted for it. Among them are touching animal portraits, funny scenes from their lives, and unusual details that are visible only upon closer inspection.
The competition was organized by BIAZA — the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The judges reviewed more than 800 entries and determined the winners and runners-up in seven categories. The selected shots feature everything from mammals and birds to reptiles, fish, and tiny invertebrates.
An unusual bird on a frosty morning
The photographer captured this shot in early January at dawn. The image was taken at the Watatunga Wildlife Reserve in Norfolk, and the author put a lot of effort into catching the right moment.
Vulturine guineafowl are distinguished by their unusual appearance. Taken on a frosty morning, this photograph revealed the bird's unique look and became one of the contest's top works.
An elephant enjoying a mud bath
On a rainy day, photographer Thomas Harris captured a female elephant named Opal while she was enjoying a mud bath. The shot depicting this state of the elephant brought the author victory in his category.
The Colchester Zoological Society cares for four African elephants. Along with caring for them, the organization also participates in projects aimed at nature conservation.