Josef Stefan has been awarded the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Nuveen People’s Choice Award 2026 for his photograph titled ‘Flying Rodent’. The announcement was made during a ceremony at the Natural History Museum in London on March 25, 2026.

The award garnered a record-breaking 85,917 votes, highlighting the public’s engagement with wildlife photography. Stefan’s winning image captures a young Iberian lynx playfully tossing a rodent into the air in Ciudad Real, Spain, showcasing the species’ playful behavior.

This year’s competition attracted an impressive 60,636 entries from 113 countries and territories, emphasizing the global interest in wildlife photography. The shortlisted photographs were selected for their artistic merit and ability to convey powerful messages about nature.

The Iberian lynx, depicted in Stefan’s photograph, has seen a remarkable recovery, with its population now exceeding 2,000 individuals due to extensive conservation efforts. This recovery is a significant achievement, considering the species was on the brink of extinction in the early 2000s.

The exhibition featuring the winning photographs will be open to the public until July 12, 2026, allowing visitors to appreciate the beauty and diversity of wildlife through the lens of talented photographers.

In addition to Stefan’s award, four images received highly commended recognition, including works by Alexandre Brisson, Christopher Paetkau, Will Nicholls, and Kohei Nagira.

Josef Stefan expressed his gratitude, stating, “Winning this award and being able to platform this message is the highlight of my 30 years as a nature photographer.” His sentiment reflects the importance of wildlife photography in raising awareness about conservation issues.

Dr. Douglas Gurr, director of the Natural History Museum, commented on the voting process, saying, “It’s been wonderful to see all the votes coming in to choose the photograph set for display in our flagship exhibition here at the Natural History Museum.” This reflects the museum’s commitment to engaging the public in wildlife conservation efforts.

The Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition has been celebrating the art of wildlife photography for 61 years, making it a prestigious platform for both emerging and established photographers.

As the exhibition continues, it serves as a reminder of the beauty of nature and the ongoing efforts needed to protect it for future generations.

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In 2025, the Natural History Museum (NHM) in London emerged as the most popular attraction in the UK, drawing over 7.1 million visitors. This marked a 13% increase in attendance compared to the previous year, highlighting the museum’s growing appeal.

The success of the NHM can be attributed to several factors, including its engaging exhibitions. Notably, the Fixing Our Broken Planet gallery attracted more than 2 million visitors, contributing significantly to the overall visitor numbers.

Another major exhibition, Jurassic Oceans: Monsters of the Deep, also played a role in captivating audiences. The combination of educational content and interactive displays has made the NHM a favored destination for families and tourists alike.

In comparison, the British Museum was the second most popular attraction in 2025, receiving 6.4 million visits. Other notable attractions included the crown estate in Windsor with 4.9 million visits, Tate Modern with 4.5 million visits, and the National Gallery with 4.1 million visits.

Bernard Donoghue, a representative in the tourism sector, remarked, “It’s an astonishingly fun, joyful day out and it’s free.” This sentiment reflects the museum’s commitment to providing accessible educational experiences.

Despite the NHM’s success, Donoghue also noted concerns about international competitiveness, stating, “We are not as internationally competitive or attractive to the Chinese market.” This highlights ongoing challenges for UK attractions in attracting global visitors.

The NHM’s increased visitor numbers mark the third consecutive year of growth, demonstrating the effectiveness of its exhibitions and outreach efforts. As the museum continues to innovate and expand its offerings, it remains a key player in London’s cultural landscape.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding specific future plans for the museum, but the current trajectory suggests continued popularity and engagement with the public.

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