Josef Stefan has been awarded the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Nuveen People’s Choice Award 2026 for his striking photograph titled ‘Flying Rodent’. This announcement was made on March 25, 2026, at the Natural History Museum in London.

Stefan’s winning image, which garnered a record-breaking 85,917 votes, captures a young Iberian lynx playfully tossing a rodent into the air in Ciudad Real, Spain. The lynx, a species that has seen a remarkable recovery, was once on the brink of extinction in the early 2000s.

The competition for this prestigious award was fierce, with 60,636 entries submitted from 113 countries and territories. This year marks the 61st anniversary of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition, highlighting its long-standing tradition of celebrating nature through photography.

The exhibition showcasing the winning and shortlisted photographs will remain open until July 12, 2026. In addition to Stefan’s award-winning image, four highly commended photographs were recognized, including works by Alexandre Brisson, Christopher Paetkau, Will Nicholls, and Kohei Nagira.

Stefan expressed his gratitude, stating, “Winning this award and being able to platform this message is the highlight of my 30 years as a nature photographer.” His work not only captures the beauty of wildlife but also raises awareness about conservation efforts.

Dr. Douglas Gurr, director of the Natural History Museum, remarked, “It’s been wonderful to see all the votes coming in to choose the photograph set for display in our flagship exhibition here at the Natural History Museum.” This reflects the growing public interest in wildlife photography and conservation.

Currently, the Iberian lynx population has rebounded to over 2,000 individuals, thanks to extensive conservation initiatives. The efforts to protect this species serve as a testament to the positive impact of dedicated wildlife conservation.

As the exhibition continues, visitors will have the opportunity to see not only the winning image but also the diverse range of wildlife captured by photographers from around the globe.

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In 2025, the Natural History Museum (NHM) in London achieved remarkable success, attracting over 7.1 million visitors, making it the most popular attraction in the UK. This figure represents a 13% increase in visitors compared to the previous year, showcasing the museum’s growing appeal.

The NHM’s success can be attributed to several factors, including the ongoing popularity of its exhibitions. Notably, the Fixing Our Broken Planet gallery alone welcomed more than 2 million visitors, contributing significantly to the overall visitor numbers.

In comparison, the British Museum, which was the second most popular attraction, recorded 6.4 million visits in 2025. Other notable attractions included the crown estate in Windsor with 4.9 million visits, Tate Modern at 4.5 million, and the National Gallery with 4.1 million visits.

Bernard Donoghue, a prominent figure in the cultural sector, remarked, “It’s an astonishingly fun, joyful day out and it’s free,” highlighting the NHM’s accessibility and family-friendly environment.

Despite the impressive numbers, Donoghue also noted challenges, stating, “We are not as internationally competitive or attractive to the Chinese market,” indicating areas for potential growth and improvement.

The NHM’s Jurassic Oceans: Monsters of the Deep exhibition has also played a crucial role in drawing visitors, further enhancing the museum’s reputation as a leading cultural institution.

As the NHM continues to attract record numbers, it sets a benchmark for other museums and cultural attractions in the UK. The sustained interest in its exhibitions reflects a broader trend of increased engagement with natural history and environmental themes.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the specific strategies that contributed to this surge in visitors, but the overall trajectory suggests a positive outlook for the museum’s future.

In summary, the Natural History Museum’s record visitor numbers in 2025 underscore its significance as a cultural landmark and its ability to engage the public with compelling exhibitions and educational experiences.

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