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London
cnn
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An image of a nap. Polar Bear nestled on an iceberg has captured the hearts of voters to become the winner of this year’s election People’s Choice Award for Wildlife Photographer of the Year.
British amateur photographer Nima Sarikhani considered it an honor to win the grant for the dreamlike “Ice Bed” scene, captured in the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard, saying that the image “awakened strong emotions,” such as hope, in those who saw it.
“While climate change is the biggest challenge we face, I hope this photograph also inspires hope; There is still time to clean up the mess we have caused,” Sarikhani added in a press release.
Organizers said more than 75,000 people voted in the contest, a record number.
“Ice Bed” was chosen from a shortlist of 25 images, which was previously narrowed down to about 50,000 entries. Wildlife Photographer of the Year is developed and produced by the Natural History Museum, London.
Douglas Gurr, director of the Natural History Museum, described the winning shot as “moving” and “impressive.”
The “thought-provoking image is a stark reminder of the integral bond between an animal and its habitat and serves as a visual representation of the detrimental impacts of climate warming and habitat loss,” Gurr said in the release.
In addition to the winner, there were four highly praised finalists. The five images will be on display at the Natural History Museum in London until June 30.