Explorers Against Extinction, a wildlife charity, has revealed the stunning images that will be featured in its annual fundraising calendar. The 12 images were chosen by top photographers and famous explorer Levison Wood, and will be exhibited on London’s South Bank this autumn.
The finalists, representing seven nationalities, were selected from submissions worldwide by renowned wildlife photographers Paul Goldstein, Will Burrard-Lucas, Sue Flood, and charity patron Levison Wood. The images showcase the beauty of the natural world and will be sold at an online auction to raise funds for conservation projects.
The exhibition will culminate with an online auction, with all proceeds going towards supporting frontline conservation projects around the globe. The finalists’ images cover a 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 were chosen 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 that she looks for images that stand out and evoke emotion.
Among the highlights of the 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, calling it “outstanding work.” Celia Kujala’s “Belle,” a tender underwater portrait of a Steller sea lion in British Columbia, was praised by judge Sue Flood for its difficulty and uniqueness.
Australian photographer Jonathan Allen’s “Māhina,” featuring a white humpback calf in Tonga, was described by judge Paul Goldstein as an extraordinary image that combines originality and difficulty. Jules Oldroyd’s “Age of Innocence,” an intimate portrait of a polar bear family in Canada’s Baffin Island, was admired by judge Levison Wood for capturing a tender family moment.
The cover of the 2026 calendar will feature Ria Waugh’s “The Crossing,” which depicts an elephant herd in Amboseli, Kenya. Judge Paul Goldstein praised the image as a “cliché done right,” with its low angle emphasizing the moment and the parched lake bed.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of Explorers Against Extinction’s creative initiatives, and the choice to feature elephants on the cover feels fitting as they are also the charity’s logo. The 12 finalist images are now in the running for the People’s Choice Award, with public voting open from 2-26 October. To view all the images, visit explorersagainstextinction.co.uk.
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