Winning images show animals can be almost human

A BROTHERLY bond between two lions saw London-based photographer David Lloyd walk away with the 2018 Wildlife Photographer of the Year Lumix People’s Choice Award.

The heart-warming image, Bond of Brothers, depicts a unique moment between two male lions joining faces and garnered 16 000 fan votes.

Lloyd’s image was chosen from a shortlist of 25, selected by the Natural History Museum from more than 45 000 photographs submitted for the 2018 competition. The picture will be showcased in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition at the Natural History Museum until June 30.

Lloyd said he was honoured to have captured the moment when two male lions greeted and rubbed faces for around 30 seconds before settling down.

“I’m so pleased that this image did well because it illustrates the emotion and feeling of animals and emphasises that this is not limited to humans,” he said.

Sir Michael Dixon, the director of the Natural History Museum, said lions were individuals with complex social bonds.

“David’s winning picture provides a glimpse into their inner world… I hope the empathy and wonder garnered by this image will inspire more people to become advocates for nature,” he said.

Mike Owen, the professional imaging marketing manager from Panasonic UK that partnered with Lumix, said it was a great honour to be involved in the Lumix People’s Choice awards and to be able to champion the image that resonates most with the public.

“So much of wildlife photography is being in the right place at the right time, but capturing that split second is often a result of planning, patience and understanding the subject.

“Congratulations to David for capturing this striking image.”

The 55th competition is being judged by a respected panel of experts, and the winners will be revealed in October.

MATTHEW MARAN Fox Meets Fox by Matthew Maran from the UK. Taken close to his home in north London, this image was also in the top five. Maran has been photographing foxes for years and dreamt of capturing the image and after many failed attempts, managed to get it. |

JUSTIN HOFMAN A Polar Bear’s Struggle by Justin Hofman from the US was also highly commended by the judges of the prestigious competition. |

BENCE MATE One Toy, Three Dogs by Bence Mate, Hungary. While adult African wild dogs are merciless killers, their pups are extremely cute and play all day long. Mate photographed these brothers in Mkuze, South Africa – they all wanted to play with the leg of an impala and were trying to drag it in three different directions. |

WIM VAN DEN HEEVER Three Kings, of king penguins on the Falkland Islands, earned photographer Wim van den Heever a spot in the top five of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year awards. The picture of the birds was taken as the sun was rising. |