Hertfordshire Zoo's Education Lead, Chris Eley, wins Bird Photographer of the Year Conservation Award 2024

Hertfordshire Zoo are thrilled to announce that their Education Lead, Chris Eley, has been awarded the Bird Photographer of the Year - Conservation Award 2024. This prestigious accolade is a testament not only to Chris’ incredible talent behind the lens but also to his deep commitment to wildlife conservation and education.

The Bird Photographer of the Year competition is one of the most respected platforms for bird photography globally. This year’s competition saw over 23,000 submissions from photographers in more than 70 countries, all vying for recognition across eight distinct categories. These included categories like Bird Behaviour, Birds in Flight, and the coveted Conservation Award. Each photograph entered celebrated the beauty and diversity of bird life from around the world, showcasing both common and rare species in stunning detail.

Chris' winning images captured the poignant reality of vulture species in South Africa, drawing attention to the challenges these birds face due to habitat loss, poisoning, and illegal wildlife trade. His photographic portfolio not only highlights the plight of these often misunderstood birds but also brings to light the remarkable efforts of Vulpro, a leading vulture conservation organisation in South Africa. Vulpro’s mission is to monitor and protect vulture populations, rescue and rehabilitate injured birds, and educate the public on the critical role vultures play in maintaining ecological balance.

Commenting on his win, Chris said, “I’m honoured to have my work recognized in such a meaningful way. Vultures are essential to our ecosystems, yet they’re often overlooked or even vilified. My goal is to use photography to change that narrative, showing their grace and the vital role they play in nature’s clean-up crew. I hope this recognition brings more awareness to the incredible work that Vulpro and other conservation groups are doing to ensure the survival of these magnificent birds.”

Chris’s passion for conservation and wildlife photography extends beyond his role at Hertfordshire Zoo. He frequently travels to areas where vulture populations are under threat, documenting the challenges they face and the dedicated efforts of those striving to protect them. His images serve not only as a visual record but also as a powerful tool to educate and inspire others to support wildlife conservation.

The Bird Photographer of the Year competition is a celebration of avian life in all its diversity, and this year’s winners featured some of the most breathtaking bird photos from around the world. Each entry told a unique story, emphasising the importance of conserving bird species and their habitats for future generations.

To see Chris Eley’s winning images and explore the full list of award winners, visit the Bird Photographer of the Year website.