The Natural History Museum in London has announced the winners of its renowned Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition, awarding the ultimate title to Italian photographer Federico Veronesi. Veronesi secured the prestigious honor for a profoundly moving black-and-white photograph depicting a female elephant carrying her deceased calf across the remote landscape of the Huab River Valley in Damaraland, Namibia.
Titled The Aftermath, the winning photograph has drawn widespread attention not only for its stark artistic composition, but also for what it reveals about animal behavior, cognition, and emotion. The striking image captures a solemn moment that researchers say offers a rare and powerful glimpse into how elephants process and understand death in the wild.
Behaviors involving the handling or transport of deceased young have been documented among elephant populations in both Africa and Asia. Biologists and animal behaviorists frequently interpret these poignant actions as tangible expressions of grief, providing compelling evidence of complex emotional lives and deep social bonds within matriarchal herds.
The emotional and intellectual weight of the photograph resonated deeply with the competition’s judging panel. Kathy Moran, Chair of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Jury, reflected on the profound impact of the winning frame during the announcement.
"This photograph works on so many levels. Emotionally it’s a gut punch, heartbreakingly poignant. Intellectually it’s proof that animals have cognition. This photograph says it all!" Moran said.
The Story Behind the Still
The remarkable encounter unfolded while Veronesi was documenting elephants roaming across the arid terrain of Namibia. His attention was first drawn to an unusual trail of drag marks left across the dry, sandy bed of the river. Intrigued and wishing to understand what had occurred, he followed the tracks to locate the family group.
Upon catching up with the herd, Veronesi witnessed the heartbreaking sight of the female elephant emerging with the calf. The young animal’s leg was wedged securely between the mother’s tusk and trunk as she carried its remains through the harsh landscape.
To capture the scene without causing disruption to the wildlife or stressing the grieving herd, Veronesi maintained a respectful and safe distance. He utilized professional-grade equipment, pairing a Nikon Z8 camera body with a Nikon Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S telephoto lens. Renowned among professional wildlife photographers for its exceptional sharpness across the entire image frame, the telephoto lens allowed Veronesi to secure a detailed, high-resolution shot from afar. The exposure was set at 1/1000 of a second at f/2.8 and ISO 72, freezing the poignant motion in crisp monochrome detail.
Exhibition Details
The Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition, developed and produced annually by the Natural History Museum in London, stands as one of the most respected global platforms for nature photography, conservation storytelling, and wildlife documentation.
The upcoming exhibition featuring Veronesi’s winning image alongside other celebrated works from the sixty-second competition will open to the public on October 16, 2026. The display will run through July 11, 2027, at the Natural History Museum in London. Tickets and further information regarding the exhibition can be accessed through the official museum website.
