“Image of Mourning Bird Claims 2025 European Wildlife Photographer of the Year Prize”

A poignant glimpse into the harsh truths of parenthood in the wild secured the 2025 European Wildlife Photographer of the Year title. Photographer Luca Lorenz captured a touching image of a male pygmy owl returning with food for his young, only to discover they were missing. At 20 years old, Lorenz achieved the distinction of being the youngest winner in the competition’s 25-year history.

This year marked a record of nearly 24,500 submissions from 48 nations. An international panel awarded 107 images across nine categories and two special accolades, including the Rewilding Europe Award. Lorenz’s photograph, taken after diligent observation of a pair of pygmy owls’ nest, distinguished itself among the entries.

Bruno D’Amicis, an award-winning wildlife photographer and jury member, commended the image for its quiet immersion in nature’s hidden life, portraying the owl’s grief in a timeless narrative of existence and demise. The contest celebrated remarkable photography at the GDT International Nature Photography Festival, showcasing the efforts of GDT photographers and the domain of wildlife photography.

In addition to Lorenz’s triumphant submission, numerous other compelling images were acknowledged: Audun Rikardsen’s “At the Top of the Food Chain,” addressing the effects of pollutants on top predators; Ivo Niermann’s “Night Vision,” highlighting nocturnal vision in animals; Alex Hyde’s “Maternal Embrace,” illustrating centipede parental care; Andrea Michelutti’s “Sea of Fire,” depicting shrimp in a coral environment; Lubin Godin’s “At Dawn,” capturing young Alpine ibex; and Angel Fitor’s “Unsung Heroes,” showcasing the vital role of burrowing worms in ocean ecosystems.

Other prominent winners included David Menzel’s “Minimalistic Triad,” Terje Kolaas’s “Swan Lake,” Hannu Ahonen’s “War Is Near,” Tayla McCurdy’s “Forensics,” Federica Cordero’s “Time for a Swim!” and “Hammock in the Jungle,” Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas’s “Predator,” Javier Aznar’s “Moonlight Dance,” Lukas Schäfer’s “The Golden Cave,” Tobias Richter’s “Inferno,” Amit Eshel’s “Bloody Makeup,” and Sven Začek’s “Golden Treasure.”

The contest highlights nature’s resilience and beauty, while serving as a reminder of the complex connections and challenges faced by wildlife in an ever-evolving world.