Nature’s Treasures Photo Competition – Funny and Cute Wildlife Winners

October 1st, 2020

Are you ready to be filled with joy? The fourth theme in the Wildlife Warriors Nature’s Treasures Photo Competition Funny and Cute Wildlife received 139 images from 53 different photographers in Kenya and Tanzania. These winners will inject laughter into your life. We would like to thank all the photographers who took part in the photo competition. The judges were delighted by the creativity in capturing the emotions and personalities of wildlife.

PROFESSIONAL CATEGORY

Winner

Tay Belcher

Tay Belcher from Kenya wins for a remarkable image of an African Ground Squirrel caught unawares.  The photographer captioned the image as ‘When you’ve got it, flaunt it!’.

The judges were impressed by the image which was perfectly in line with the theme. We spoke to Tay about her image.

• What do you do for a living?

I am an underwater photographer and videographer.

• What camera did you use? 

Canon EOS 60D

• What is the story behind the image? 

The image was taken in Rukinga Ranch at Wildlife Works. Whilst walking around the compound, I caught this gorgeous squirrel posing in all kinds of ways, so I crouched down to get at eye level. Eventually, he got used to my presence, came quite close, and away I snapped!

• What top tips would you offer any upcoming young person interested in nature photography?

Always try your best to get at eye level with your subjects. You may end up in various awkward positions but it’s worth the result!

• What advice have you been given about nature photography?

Various experts have told me that wildlife photography is all about being patient. It’s all about being there at the right time and place and using that patience to get the image you wish for.

• What do you love most about nature photography?

I always set out with a particular image in my head and end up with an unexpected but beautiful result.

Congratulations Tay who wins Ksh 5000.  Follow her work on Facebook; Tay Belcher Photography and Instagram; @sea_tays_images.

Runner – up

Evans Toroitich

Evans Toroitich from Kenya is the Runner Up for an eye-catching image of three Fischer’s Lovebirds. The image was captioned by the photographer as “Oh, get a nest you two lovebirds!!”.

The judges were captivated by the special and priceless moment captured by the photographer. We spoke to Evans about his image.

What is the story behind this image?

I had gone to visit my parents in Eldoret. One early morning, I saw a group of birds on the electric wire near our home. I took out my camera to take shots of them. Two birds seemed to play the ‘Love Bird’ role; one Lovebird kept going to look for food and return to feed the other Lovebird. Another Lovebird just sat there looking at the two. I thought this looked spectacular and I had to capture that moment.

Congratulations Evans. This is Evans’ third win. Follow his work on Instagram @evanswildpics. Evan’s has donated his cash prize to the Wildlife Warriors Kids Newsletter. Thank you, Evans.

AMATEUR CATEGORY

Winner

Maisam Nanji

Maisam Nanji from Kenya wins for a comical image of a Saddle – Billed Stork. The image was captioned by the photographer as ‘The lake dance. Captured this Saddle-billed stork just before take off..”

The judges unanimously choose the image for showing a stunning behavior that is aligned with the theme. We spoke to Maisam about his image.

• What do you do for a living? 

I’m a full-time factory manager and part-time creative.

• Where did you take the photo?

Lake Naivasha, Kenya

• What camera did you use?

NIKON D5300

• What is the story behind the image? 

Having seen this beauty for the first time on Lake Naivasha, we decided to stalk the stork for about 20 minutes before managing to get this shot.

• What top tips would you offer any upcoming young person interested in nature photography? 

Be patient and nature will come to you.

• What advice have you been given about nature photography? 

Always respect the environment as it’s not yours alone.

• What do you love most about nature photography? 

I see and learn new things about nature every day.

Congratulations to Maisam who wins Ksh 3500. Follow his work on Instagram @KeleleKlix.

Runner – up

Greig Ogolla

Greig Ogolla from Kenya is the Runner Up for an entertaining photo of an elephant caught in action.

The judges were fascinated by the moment captured by the photographer. We spoke to Greig about his image.

• What do you do for a living?

I am a photographer but also do graphic design for a living.

• Which camera did you use?

Nikon D7200

• What is the story behind the image?

We were in Amboseli National Park, Kenya. A herd of elephants was going to graze in the morning. This particular bull elephant insisted on passing where tour vans had parked. When they didn’t move he got agitated. I was just In time to capture those moments. He blew his trumpet and all the vans moved.

• What top tips would you offer any upcoming young person interested in nature photography?

I would advise young people to take up conservation or even wildlife photography for it has taught me a lot about the wildlife that I didn’t know about. My interest in wildlife photography has also made me appreciate more about wildlife and even know the endangered species.

• What advice have you been given about nature photography?

I had friends who were in wildlife photography. I was passionate about birds and that helped my wildlife photography interests.

• What do you love most about nature photography?

I love nature photography for the fact that you will never have the same experience even with the same place and animals. Nature is the best experience I have had, especially in wildlife conservancies.

Congratulations to Greig who wins Ksh 2000. Follow his work on Instagram @wildographer.greig.

JUNIOR CATEGORY

Winner

Raj Jakharia

Raj Jakharia (13 years) from Kenya wins for an adorable photo of an elephant calf captioned by the photographer as “Life is like a mirror, we get the best results when we smile”!

The judges were intrigued by the photo which captured a beautiful moment. We spoke to Raj about his image.

What is the story behind this image?

I was exiting the Amboseli National Park when I saw a group of elephants. One baby elephant which was approximately 2 years old got curious and came closer to us. The calf seemed to be playing with a rock with its feet when I took the picture.

Congratulations Raj! You can see more of his beautiful photos on Instagram @jadioboss.photography. This is his second win. He wins Ksh 2000!

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Runner – up

Hanain Ayub

Hanain Ayub (15 years) from Kenya is the Runner Up in the Wildlife Warriors Nature’s Treasures Photo Competition Junior Category on the theme Funny and Cute Wildlife for a captioned by the photographer as ‘The little rock collector’.

The judges were thrilled by the image which captured a rare and beautiful moment of a leopard cub holding a piece rock. We spoke to Hanain about his image.

What is the story behind this image?

We were in Samburu looking for animals all day to no avail. In the evening, we finally found paw prints, which we followed for about two hours. Then we found some leopard cubs who seemed to have separated from their mother. Luckily, there was only one car [ours], so we didn’t scare them away. The leopard cubs were playing with each other when one of them picked a rock [with its mouth] to play with and soon enough they were playing with it together. I got that shot before they disappeared into the bushes.

Congratulations Hanain! This is his third win. He wins Ksh 1000. You can see more of his beautiful photos on Instagram @hanain_.

A big thank you to our partners African People and Wildlife from Tanzania who is supporting the Amateur Category – Winner, OGO – LAW who is supporting the Amateur Category – Runner Up, Diana Kisinga who will be supporting the Junior Category – Winner, Tony Wild who is supporting the Junior Category – Runner Up, Conservation Through Public Health, Gorilla Conservation Coffee, and Wildlife Clubs of Kenya.