49 Stunning Animal Photos That Might Brighten Your Day

“This sheep lady approached me on my way to a beach on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland. It seemed that she really wanted to pose for this photo.”⁠

“Northern white rhino is all but extinct. The last two males died years ago. Two females are still with us, too feeble to bear babies. In a lab, their eggs are now artificially fertilised in hopes that surrogate rhinos from another subspecies can carry the northern white back.”⁠

“In one of the most inhospitable climates on earth, the beautiful arctic fox enjoys a moment of relaxation ⁠ and dozes in the snow of the Svalbard Islands, between Norway and the North Pole.”⁠

"In the way he stood and stared, we actually expected him to say something. To speak on behalf of the forest. To bestow his wisdom. To convince the world that this forest, his home, is not worth the destruction, the fires, and the tragedy. Yet, words were not needed. Tanjung Puting NP, Borneo, 2019."⁠

“I wanted to capture all 4 elements in one frame: the sky, the water, the amazing habitat they live in, and the subject facing me. I knew the only way I could combine these elements was to be above the orangutan and position the camera downwards, staying calm over the tree was most challenging.”⁠

"Siberian tigers training in game fighting."⁠

"In the darkness of the Kenyan forest, the reflections of the moonlight reveal the spotted fur of a leopard drinking from a tranquil pond. A distant sound makes it look up while nature seems to hold its breath: the leopard is a symbol of grace and power."

“Here, I am presenting a portrait of an Orangutan with deep, soulful eyes, reflecting both intelligence and sorrow. Their gaze speaks of a quiet plea for survival, haunted by the encroachment of deforestation and habitat loss, a silent struggle for existence and survival in a rapidly changing world.”⁠

“A fox pauses in the falling snow.”⁠

“This is my only capture of this adult Australian fur seal. The pups were curious and playful. This fella would float in the distance, ignoring us. A younger seal was chasing and nibbling him, and that interaction sent him charging in my direction. Unveiling this remarkable, dynamic encounter.”⁠

"In 22 years of photographing in Africa, this was the first time I’d been able to take a portrait like that."

“Wild habituated Karoo tiger resting on a rock at the perfect sunset time.”⁠

"African lion stretches and gazes upward."

“In the Mara North Conservancy, a mother lioness decides to move her two young cubs. She carries the cub in her mouth as he resolutely walks to the new den.”⁠

“After spotting Lynx tracks leading to a boreal forest clearing, I waited in the snow, hoping for a lynx to appear, even though it was a long shot. After a short while, I was thrilled to see a Canada Lynx tracking snowshoe hare tracks across the clearing. In a few seconds, it was gone again.”⁠

“Brown bear in a dark forest by the setting sun. The rays illuminate its left side. I took this photo while waiting in the hide.”⁠

“A Mother chipmunk looks outside while the baby lies on the mother's back, and both look at the camera.”⁠

“It is a large predator. A large cat with a tabby coat. A legend. Do you dare? Do you dare to meet his gaze?”⁠

“This beautiful manta flies through the clear coastal waters off Tenerife, as the light shines through from above. It filters small planktonic prey as it swims. As it goes, it provides shelter for a school of small fish that are forever seeking protection from predators.”⁠

“These Grevy's zebras were first on the left side of our vehicle in Kenya, bucking and biting, before crossing the road, where they walked further into the haze. We later found out that the haze was actually dust from a dust storm in Lake Turkana.”⁠

“The snowy owl flies through the wintry sky against the backdrop of softly falling snowflakes. Its striking white feathers, speckled with hints of dark brown, blend seamlessly with the snowy scenery. The owl's piercing yellow eyes scan the ground below, searching for prey.”⁠

“Grey Crowned Cranes are majestic birds and the national bird of Uganda.”⁠

“Sub-adult female tiger protectively stepping over her brother with pure intention in her eyes.”⁠

“In times of climate change, deforestation, and other human threats, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is still a place that provides a safe and rich habitat for mountain gorillas. This hand belongs to a baby of the Rushegura family exploring the beauty of nature. It's in our hands to conserve this habitat.”⁠

"As a metaphoric 'mirror of the soul,' the eye of this Carrion Crow (photographed at Stonehenge) hints at the intelligence of crows and acts as a window to their environment and the humans that inhabit it. (As I hope you can see, my mother, my brother, and I are featured inside the eye’s reflection)." ⁠

“Appearing from the shadows of the dense forest of Kibale (Uganda), a chimpanzee stares at the visitor with an expression of curiosity.”⁠

“The cold weather likely added a crispness to the air, a tranquil mood, which complements the bird's dark feathers and highlights its intricate details. The way the background blurs and fades into a soft gradient enhances the focus on the bird and creates a serene.”⁠

“A little owl catches a mouse to bring it to its newly hatched chicks.”⁠

“Lift your head to hide the double chin.”⁠

“A beautiful female Caribbean reef shark passed by a big school of fish, which resulted in this interesting photo composition. Although the shark was swimming on a different level than the school of fish, the colours and its movement somehow gave the illusion of it blending in.”⁠

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