The stunning beauty of the natural world is once again on display at Queensland Museum as part of the annual Australia Zoo Crikey Magazine Photography Competition.
The display showcases 15 images from the winners and finalists across the categories of Crikey Magazine Cover, Crikey Kids and The Natural World.
From the African Savannahs to the depths of the ocean, the wilds of Alaska, jungles of Thailand and forests of Peru, the photographs present an extraordinary showcase of animals in their natural habitat.
Wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin said, as always, the winners were chosen from thousands of entries from around the world.
“Every year we call on our wildlife warriors to take part in the Crikey! Magazine Photography Competition and they always respond with some inspiring images that showcase the natural world,” Robert said.
The 2024 winning shot, which will feature on the cover of the printed summer edition of Crikey Magazine is a stunning image of a coastal brown bear waiting for salmon at Brooks Falls, Alaska, taken by Karthik Subramaniam.
A beautiful image of a blue-throated bee-eater captured by 12-year-old photographer Wasu Vidayanakorn was the winner of the Crikey Kids category.
And finally, a giant male cuttlefish patrolling the shallow coastline off Point Lowly in South Australia captured by Jake Wilton was the winner of The Natural World category.
The three winning entries will be a highlight of the display, along with a selection of finalist images, which were judged by renowned photographers including Wildlife Warrior Robert Irwin, Paul Nicklen, Cristina Mittermeier, Georgina Steylter, Kate Berry, Day Scott and Queensland Museum Network photographer Gary Cranitch.
Queensland Museum Network chief executive officer Dr Jim Thompson said Queensland Museum is delighted to feature the display for a fifth year at South Bank.
“Each year, I absolutely love taking a journey across the world through the amazing photography on display as part of the Australia Zoo Crikey! Magazine photography display,” Dr Thompson said.
“Once again Queensland Museum is proud to partner with Australia Zoo to showcase the work of these talented photographers.
“Both organisations have shared values for wildlife conservation and protecting the natural environment and this is done through highlighting this rich biodiversity through these stunning images.”
Robert Irwin added, “We hope that this competition not only provides a means to encourage a greater public appreciation of our wildlife and wild places but inspires action to conserve it for future generations.”
Visitors can view the finalist images in the Queensland Museum Whale Mall from 20 November 2023 until 26 February 2024 and in the printed summer edition of Australia Zoo’s Crikey! Magazine.
For more information, visit museum.qld.gov.au or australiazoo.com.au/crikey/