Swimming with sharks and endangered frogs - photo competition shows zoo and aquarium animals at time of crisis

The British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) has announced the stunning winners of their annual photography competition at an extraordinary time for zoos and aquariums.  

The winners show the important work of zoos and aquariums at an immensely challenging time for these conservation organisations. Not only are these zoos and aquariums fighting for a better, wilder future, after months of closures they are reeling from the financial impacts of the Coronavirus.  

The competition, which is only open to zoo or aquarium staff and volunteers, received hundreds of entries, capturing amazing moments from pensive monkeys to swimming with sharks. It was judged by TV naturalist Nick Baker among others.  

Competition judge and BIAZA spokesperson Andrew Hall said: “Huge congratulations to all of our winners! Everyday our zoos and aquariums are sharing the extraordinary beauty and fragility of the natural world and this is evident in the incredible winning photos. Now more than ever our society needs zoos and aquariums.”  

“We were blown away by the incredible entries to the competition – from the love and care of the keepers to the engaging personalities of the animals, our zoos and aquariums are amazing organisations, making our world a better place.” continued Hall 

See the full winners in our gallery below:

Winner, Life in a BIAZA Collection – ‘The boy in the red coat’ – Robert Everett, Chester Zoo
Runner up, Life in a BIAZA Collection – ‘Return of the Mac(aque)’ – Chris Townsend, Newquay Zoo, Wild Planet Trust
Highly Commended, Life in a BIAZA Collection – ‘Markhor overlooking his enclosure’ – Alyson Houston, RZSS Highland Wildlife Park

Winner, Behind the Scenes – ‘Hold Your Gaze – Donovan Lewis, Blue Planet Aquarium
Runner up, Behind the Scenes – ‘Owl Have to be Weighing you now’ – Niall Owen, Welsh Mountain Zoo
Highly Commended, Behind the Scenes – ‘Even giants start small’ – Emma Lawlor, Sparsholt College

Winner, Hearts and Minds – ‘Thao Whipping Frogs’ – Eleanor Stobbart, Paignton Zoo, Wild Planet Trust
Runner up, Hearts and Minds – ‘Nifty Nose’ – Samantha Allworthy, Longleat
Highly Commended, Hearts and Minds – ‘Ethiopian mountain adder’ – Daniel Kane, ZSL London Zoo

Winner, In the Moment – ‘Wearing her heart on her nose – Jo Thrower, Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm
Runner up, In the Moment – ‘Mischievous kit’ – Leanne Alldred, Wingham Wildlife Park
Highly Commended, In the Moment – ‘Perfectly Poised’ – Clare Wilkie, Crocodiles of the World