Federico Veronesi wins Wildlife Photographer of the Year with Namibia elephant image

Photographer captures emotional scene

Veronesi spotted the image while tracking elephants in Namibia's Huab River Valley. He found a female elephant with a leg wedged between her tusk and trunk as she carried a deceased calf. The photographer initially thought the animal was the mother but later learned the identity of the adult was uncertain.

Jury praises cognitive proof

The jury chair described the picture as an emotional gut punch that proves animals possess cognition. Veronesi stated the encounter revealed the depth and complexity of animal emotions. The winning photograph will be showcased at the Natural History Museum in London starting 16 October 2026.