Animals In The Wild Photo Contest Winners

If you're looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, there's no better way to do it than by getting out into nature. And what better way to enjoy the beauty of nature than by taking photos of wildlife? There's something truly magical about being in the presence of animals in their natural habitat. Whether it's witnessing a mother elephant care for her calf or watching a pride of lions take down a wildebeest, there's no shortage of amazing moments to capture. Thank you to all the photographers that shared their favorite shots in this photo contest with chances to win a Yeti Hopper Travel Cooler and more cool prizes!

Meet master Judge Rodney Bursiel: Rodney Bursiel is an award-winning wildlife and adventure photographer based in the Texas Hill Country. His work spans all seven continents, focusing on apex predators and remote ecosystems. He is the founder of Basecamp Conservation Collective, a creative gallery, event space, and nonprofit supporting global wildlife conservation through music, art, and community.

Congratulations Grand Jury Winner "Penguins" by romainbarats

"This image captures penguins in their underwater world—an environment few people ever get to see. The composition is both clean and dynamic, drawing the viewer into the scene. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, it’s also an incredibly difficult shot to achieve. The photographer had to overcome extreme Antarctic conditions—frigid water, shifting light, and fast-moving subjects—to create a moment that feels both intimate and wild. The result is a rare and compelling perspective on one of the most iconic species of the south." - Rodney Bursiel

Congratulations Runner Up "untitled" by lysaholdstock

"This photograph of a mother cheetah with four cubs is both powerful and poignant. Cheetah cubs face one of the highest mortality rates in the wild, making a scene like this extraordinarily rare to witness—let alone capture so beautifully. The composition balances intimacy with storytelling, showing not just an individual animal but the fragile hope of a species. It’s an image that goes beyond documentation to remind us of both the vulnerability and resilience of wildlife." - Rodney Bursiel

Congratulations Runner Up "Taking Flight " by JeffNBrenner

"The shallow depth of field and striking color create a beautiful contrast that makes the subject leap from the frame. It’s a fleeting, dramatic instant rendered with precision, combining technical mastery with the raw intensity of predator and prey in the wild. The result is both visually stunning and emotionally charged." - Rodney Bursiel

Congratulations People's Choice "Untitled" by babijaphoto