10 winning photos from Wildlife Photographer Awards 2025 that stunningly capture life in the jungle

Some places are just meant to take your breath away, and others, with the life they inhabit. Sometimes, it is through the lens of a photographer, that we can see the real and raw beauty behind millions of flashes and coloured filters, through them we get to discover wildest, most intimate corners of the planet, form the ghost town reclaimed by animals to the misty rainforests which with their lush beauty, entrap the visitors. The 2025 Wildlife Photographer awards did just that! Talented photographers from all around the world captured spectacular images that show life, beauty and meaning altogether and these places are the ones that you should definitely visit, to witness the magic yourself. Here are 10 most powerful wildlife photographs of the year and the breathtaking destinations where they were taken.

In the haunting ruins of Kolmanskop, South Africa, is a deserted diamond-mining town, which is now half covered with sand, showed a brown hyena lurking in the shadows. This image being so magnificent that it won the top honors and drew all the attention towards Namibia's surreal beauty, perfect for travellers seeking raw landscapes for their photography and who like to spot wildlife in unexpected settings. This beauty was shot by Wim Van Den Heever and won the best photograph award.

Imagine an almost eerie like image of a beetle resting on a rusted machinery near an abandoned building, this quiet photo, spoke thousands of words. Taken in the rural side of Italy, this image, invites you to explore the beauty of Tuscany, beyond the vineyards, where timeworn villages and forgotten structures tell stories of history and nature, reclaiming its space. This image was shot by Andrea Dominiz under the category of 15-17 years.

Shot in the cold Arctic waters of Norway, this dramatic image portrays seabirds just swooping in on a fishing vessel's catch. Tromso is a dream destination for many who are in search of polar wildlife, breathtaking northern lights and icy landscapes, a settlement where humans and animals reside together and share a delicate balance. This beautiful image was shot by Audun Rikardsen, winner Oceans: The Bigger Picture.

This image shows a rescued anteater pup, clinging to its caregiver in a wildlife center after a road accident, this emotional image, captured in one of the Brazil's most richest ecosystems. Travellers to the Pantanal can witness the remarkable biodiversity while supporting the ethical conservation tourism. The credit for this image goes to impact award winner, 2025, Fernando Faciole.

Shot by photographer Oingrong Yang, this beautiful image captures the fleeting moment when a fish is attacked by a flock of diving birds, set in the river and icy area of Fujian Province, this area offers travellers a chance to see the unique fishing traditions, tranquil waterways and rich wetlands.

This image is a close-up of swell shark's egg, lit up like a diamond on a jellyfish, a beautiful image captured off by California's coast. Monterey bay is a haven for all those who love life and is famous for its renowned aquariums, coastal hikes and deep diving spots where the ocean's best kept secrets come to life! Captured by wildlife photographer Ralph Pace, winner of the underwater wildlife category.

Glowing under the UV light, is this carnivorous pitcher plant, that looks like an different creature. Captured by Chien Lee, this image was shot in Borneo's dense jungles that are full of these wonderful creatures and it becomes the perfect destination for travellers who are drawn to rich flora, fauna and the untouched wild. Won the title for best image underwater, plants and fungi.

Canadian photographer Shane Gross won the 2025 Wildlife Photographer of the Year award in the "Animals in Their Environment" category with his striking photograph titled Like an Eel out of Water. The image captures three silver-spotted moray eels scavenging for dead fish over rocks in the intertidal zone of the Seychelles, a breathtaking island nation in the Indian Ocean, famous for its unique wildlife and vibrant coral reefs.

This revolutionary image documents the moment of fight vs flight, to save the northern White Rhino species, through IVF. The 01 Pejeta conservancy is not only a key player in rhino conservation, it’s also a place where travellers can witness hope, science, and wildlife come together. Nestled in Kenya's sweeping Savannah, this protected sanctuary offers guided tours, conservation talks and up-close wildlife experiences. Shot by Jon A Juárez, winner of photojournalism.