Wildlife conservation organization Explorers Against Extinction has announced the 12 images selected for its annual Focus for Survival wildlife photography calendar. The images were chosen by renowned wildlife photographers Paul Goldstein, Will Burrard-Lucas, Sue Flood, and charity patron Levison Wood.
The stunning photographs, showcasing the beauty of the natural world, were chosen from submissions worldwide and will be featured in the charity’s fundraising calendar. They will also be exhibited on London’s South Bank this autumn, alongside other works of art highlighting threatened species and wild spaces. The exhibition will conclude with an online auction, with all proceeds going towards frontline conservation projects around the world.
This year’s finalists, representing seven different nationalities, capture a diverse range of subjects, from the savannahs of Africa to the frozen ice of the Arctic and the deep blue waters of the Pacific. The final 12 images were carefully selected based on technical ability, composition, originality, impact, and suitability for the calendar.
Judge Sue Flood, a wildlife photographer, zoologist, and former BBC Natural History Unit filmmaker, explained, “When judging photo contests, one is always looking for something that stands out from the crowd. Ideally, an image that will evoke some sort of emotion – something that’s a bit different. As a wildlife photographer, I’m often drawn to animal behavior but always looking for an artistic moment.”
Among the highlights of the final 12 images is “Snail Enjoying Sporulation” by Anirban Dutta, a maths teacher from West Bengal, India. Judge Paul Goldstein described it as “a cross between natural history and a Roger Dean poster,” adding that it is “outstanding work.”
Another standout is “Belle” by Celia Kujala from the USA, a tender underwater portrait of a Steller sea lion in British Columbia. Judge Sue Flood praised the photographer for capturing a difficult shot and said, “Loved the whiskers!”
Australian photographer Jonathan Allen’s “Māhina,” featuring an extremely rare white humpback calf in Tonga, was also chosen as a finalist. Judge Paul Goldstein exclaimed, “When judging any competition, the basic two tenets of judging have to be paramount: originality and degree of difficulty – exactly!”
The cover of the 2026 calendar will feature “The Crossing” by Ria Waugh from the USA, depicting an elephant herd in Amboseli, Kenya. Judge Paul Goldstein commended the photographer, saying, “The low angle amplifies the moment and I can almost hear the creak and crack as those giant feet tread on the parched lake bed.”
2026 marks the 10th anniversary of Explorers Against Extinction’s creative initiatives, and the choice of elephants – also the charity’s logo – feels particularly fitting. All 12 finalists’ images are now in the running for the People’s Choice Award, with voting open to the public from 2-26 October. To view all the images and cast your vote, visit explorersagainstextinction.co.uk.
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