BIAZA Photo Competition 2026: Winners Showcase Wildlife and Conservation
The 2026 BIAZA Photo Competition showcased over 800 entries, culminating in the selection of 14 winners and runners-up across seven categories. Thomas Harris captured the Mammal category with his portrait of Opal the African elephant at Colchester Zoological Society, while Gareth Clifford claimed the Bird category with 'Frosty vulturine' taken at Watatunga Wildlife Reserve in Norfolk. Dylan Lynch won for Reptile/Amphibian with 'Mid-nap breather,' featuring Friday the green sea turtle at the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth. A newly introduced Human category honored those dedicated to animal welfare. Winning images will be featured in BIAZA's 2027 calendar.
Key facts
- The 2026 BIAZA Photo Competition received more than 800 entries.
- 14 winners and runners-up were selected across seven categories.
- Thomas Harris won the Mammal category with 'Still I Rise,' a portrait of Opal the African elephant at Colchester Zoological Society.
- Gareth Clifford won the Bird category with 'Frosty vulturine,' taken at Watatunga Wildlife Reserve in Norfolk.
- Dylan Lynch won the Reptile/Amphibian category with 'Mid-nap breather,' featuring Friday the green sea turtle at the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth.
- A new Human category was introduced this year, recognizing people working in animal welfare and conservation.
- BIAZA's 132 member zoos and aquariums contributed to over 1,000 conservation projects and 1,600 research projects in 2025.
- The winning photographs will appear in BIAZA's 2027 calendar.
Entities
Artists
- Thomas Harris
- Fred Wall
- Gareth Clifford
- Jonathan Isaacs
- Dylan Lynch
- Jagz Bharth
- Jessamyn Reddy
- Rebekah Weatherhead
- Ellie Richards
- Jennifer-Louise Read
- Peter Baird
- Celyn Stephens
- Jo Brown
Institutions
- British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
- Colchester Zoological Society
- Twycross Zoo
- Watatunga Wildlife Reserve
- Marwell Zoo
- National Marine Aquarium
- Hertfordshire Zoo
- Sealife Adventure
- Oceanarium Bournemouth
- Chester Zoo
- Margam Country Park
- Whipsnade Zoo
- My Modern Met
Locations
- Norfolk
- Plymouth
- West Calder
- Scotland
- Wales
- United Kingdom
- Zambia