The British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) has announced the results of its 2026 photography competition, featuring over 800 entries submitted from across various conservation facilities and natural habitats.

In the 'Mammals' category, photographer Thomas Harris secured victory with a compelling shot of a female African elephant named Opal indulging in a mud bath during a rainy day. The image allegedly captures the playful behavior of the animal under the care of the Colchester Zoological Society, though critics question the broader impact of such institutional showcases.

The contest also recognized several other notable entries, including a striking photograph of a vulturine guineafowl captured on a frosty morning in Norfolk, alongside macro shots of elusive marine life hiding among anemone tentacles.

Organizers of the European-linked initiative claim that these visual presentations encourage a deeper appreciation for biodiversity, despite ongoing skepticism regarding the efficiency and funding transparency within modern zoological networks.

Source: kun.uz