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Every year, Wikimedia Commons hosts its Picture of the Year contest, bringing together some of the most stunning images shared by photographers from around the world. From landscapes and portraits to architecture and nature, the competition celebrates the very best in visual storytelling. But among all these breathtaking entries, the wildlife photos have a special kind of magic.

In this post, we’ve gathered some of the most extraordinary wildlife shots that have stood out throughout the history of the contest. Through Wikimedia’s Picture of the Year competition, photographers give us an intimate look at life on Earth in all its diversity and wonder.

Take a moment to admire these awe-inspiring shots, and let them remind you just how extraordinary our planet’s wildlife truly is.

More info: commons.wikimedia.org

This post may include affiliate links.

#1

Jeune Raie Aquarium Nausicaa By Luc Viatour

Close-up of a translucent baby stingray underwater, showcasing unique details in a stunning wildlife photo.

Wikimedia Commons Report

Final score:
32points
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sprite420 avatar
Jeremy James
Jeremy James
Community Member
2 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Cassandra, is that you? "Moisturize me!"

18
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    #2

    Red Fox By Nadezhda Khaustova

    Fox resting on a rock in a rugged landscape with a snow-capped mountain in the background, showcasing stunning wildlife.

    Wikimedia Commons Report

    Final score:
    31points
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    #3

    Capybaras By Clodomiro Esteves Junior

    Capybara family resting among green plants in a vibrant nature scene showcasing stunning wildlife photos.

    Wikimedia Commons Report

    Final score:
    31points
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    hanna-laulajainen avatar
    Whiskers
    Whiskers
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Junior’s photo of juniors.

    5
    5points
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    #4

    Eye Of The Bird By Leonardo Ramos

    Close-up of a colorful bird’s eye and detailed feathers in stunning wildlife photos shared by Wikimedia Commons users.

    Wikimedia Commons Report

    Final score:
    29points
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    #5

    Mandarinfish In Aquarium By Luc Viatour

    Colorful Mandarin fish swimming among coral reefs in a stunning wildlife photo shared by Wikimedia Commons users.

    Wikimedia Commons Report

    Final score:
    29points
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    #6

    Hunter Baby Chameleon By Mkrc85

    Chameleon using its long tongue to catch an insect in a stunning wildlife photo with natural green background.

    Wikimedia Commons Report

    Final score:
    28points
    POST
    eloiseparry-jones avatar
    Voidified
    Voidified
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That thing is bigger than the chameleon’s head.

    2
    2points
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    #7

    Parque Estadual Encontro Das Águas By Thomas Fuhrmann

    Jaguar swimming in water with reflection, one of the stunning wildlife photos shared by Wikimedia Commons users.

    Wikimedia Commons Report

    Final score:
    27points
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    lynnorphillips8007 avatar
    Nor
    Nor
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    PSPSPSPS...here Kitty, Kitty

    8
    8points
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    #8

    Baby Hamster By Augustus Binu

    White mouse with pink eyes walking on reflective surface, showcasing detailed features in stunning wildlife photo.

    Wikimedia Commons Report

    Final score:
    27points
    POST
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    #9

    New Born Calf Of A Frisian Red White Cow By Uberprutser

    Newborn calf being gently licked by its mother in a green field, showcasing stunning wildlife photos.

    Wikimedia Commons Report

    Final score:
    27points
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    #10

    Red-Headed Weaver By Charles J. Sharp

    Bright red bird perched on a detailed nest made of twigs and leaves, showcasing stunning wildlife photography.

    Wikimedia Commons Report

    Final score:
    26points
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    #11

    Sunrise At Agmon Hill During The Crane Migration By Tomere

    Silhouettes of cranes at sunrise with mist and flying birds in a stunning wildlife photo scene.

    Wikimedia Commons Report

    Final score:
    26points
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    jayzhao avatar
    Squishy the cat
    Squishy the cat
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ancient Chinese music playing in the background

    3
    3points
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    #12

    "Wild" Horses By Robin Müller

    Wildlife photo of a mare and foal standing together in a misty forest with autumn foliage in the background.

    Wikimedia Commons Report

    Final score:
    26points
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    #13

    Perereca Macaco By Renato Augusto Martins

    Two vibrant green frogs perched on a branch, showcasing stunning wildlife photos captured by Wikimedia Commons users.

    Wikimedia Commons Report

    Final score:
    25points
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    #14

    Jubilee And Munin By Colin

    Two black crows perched on a metal railing with historic stone buildings and a cloudy sky in the background wildlife photos.

    Wikimedia Commons Report

    Final score:
    25points
    POST
    ceecee_2 avatar
    Cee Cee
    Cee Cee
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Go and visit them if you can. They're part of the raven flock that live at the Tower of London. Legend has it that if the ravens go the kingdom falls.

    7
    7points
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    #15

    Female Toque Macaque With Baby By Senthi Aathavan Senthilverl

    Close-up of a mother monkey gently touching noses with her baby in a stunning wildlife photo by Wikimedia Commons users.

    Wikimedia Commons Report

    Final score:
    24points
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    ner_diz avatar
    Serial pacifist
    Serial pacifist
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I would love to go there wherever this is and observe these beautiful creatures!

    2
    2points
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    #16

    Wild Elephants Walking Up A Road In The Area Of Khao Yai National Park By Khunkay

    Three elephants walking on a forest road captured in stunning wildlife photos shared by Wikimedia Commons users.

    Wikimedia Commons Report

    Final score:
    24points
    POST
    mikerodrick avatar
    Mike Rodrick
    Mike Rodrick
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What if an ambulance comes? Would they move?

    -1
    -1point
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    #17

    Young Male Proboscis Monkey By Charles J. Sharp

    Proboscis monkey captured mid-air jumping between trees in a stunning wildlife photo by Wikimedia Commons users.

    Wikimedia Commons Report

    Final score:
    24points
    POST
    joleefrye_1 avatar
    FranSinclair
    FranSinclair
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I just skim and am so surprised to learn theres probiotic monkeys! I need to pay more attention

    2
    2points
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    #18

    Cat Playing With A Lizard By Basile Morin

    Cat curiously reaching out to a small lizard on the ground near a textured blue wall in a stunning wildlife photo.

    Wikimedia Commons Report

    Final score:
    23points
    POST
    #19

    Macaca Fuscata Juvenile Yawning By Daisuke Tashiro

    Young monkey yawning with eyes closed in a stunning wildlife photo shared by Wikimedia Commons users.

    Wikimedia Commons Report

    Final score:
    23points
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    #20

    Cheetah At Sunset By Arturo De Frias Marques

    Silhouetted wildcat on a rock at sunset, showcasing stunning wildlife photography by Wikimedia Commons users.

    Wikimedia Commons Report

    Final score:
    23points
    POST
    #21

    Martin Pecheur By Luc Viatour

    Colorful kingfisher perched on a branch, showcasing vibrant feathers in stunning wildlife photos shared by users.

    Wikimedia Commons Report

    Final score:
    22points
    POST
    #22

    Huskies Sled Dogs In Kulusuk By Markus Trienke

    Huskies running in the snow with tongues out in a stunning wildlife photo shared by Wikimedia Commons users.

    Wikimedia Commons Report

    Final score:
    22points
    POST
    bec_1 avatar
    Bec
    Bec
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Never met a malamute that wasn't a giant, slobbery, but very beautiful, tongue beast.

    1
    1point
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    #23

    Alcedo Atthis By Luca Casale

    Kingfisher bird catching fish in water, a stunning wildlife photo showcasing nature’s vibrant colors and action.

    Wikimedia Commons Report

    Final score:
    21points
    POST
    #24

    Atlantic Puffin By Jakub Hałun

    Puffin in mid-flight with wings spread and bright orange feet, captured in a stunning wildlife photo by Wikimedia Commons users.

    Wikimedia Commons Report

    Final score:
    20points
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    #25

    Close-Up View Of The Head Of A White Tiger By Basile Morin

    White tiger yawning with mouth wide open in a stunning wildlife photo showcasing animal behavior in natural surroundings.

    Wikimedia Commons Report

    Final score:
    20points
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    #26

    Trinkende Taube Am Neptunbrunnen In Tübingen By Dktue

    Pigeon drinking water from an ornate outdoor fountain captured in stunning wildlife photo by Wikimedia Commons users.

    Wikimedia Commons Report

    Final score:
    20points
    POST
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    #27

    Red-Billed Oxpecker By Charles J. Sharp

    Wildlife photo showing a bird perched on the head of an antelope in a natural outdoor setting.

    Wikimedia Commons Report

    Final score:
    20points
    POST
    joleefrye_1 avatar
    FranSinclair
    FranSinclair
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well i know what name ill be calling someone during my next verbal altercation

    3
    3points
    reply
    #28

    Thomas Fuhrmann By Prasan Shrestha

    Two birds at dawn with one landing on water and misty golden light in a stunning wildlife photo from Wikimedia Commons users.

    Wikimedia Commons Report

    Final score:
    19points
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    #29

    Spotted Trunkfish By Betty Wills

    Spotted fish among coral reefs captured in stunning wildlife photos shared by Wikimedia Commons users over the years

    Wikimedia Commons Report

    Final score:
    19points
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    #30

    A Butterfly Feeding On The Tears Of A Turtle In Ecuador By Amalavida

    Three turtles resting on a log with a butterfly perched on one turtle’s head in a stunning wildlife photo.

    Wikimedia Commons Report

    Final score:
    19points
    POST
    #31

    Alpine Ibexes By Luca Casale

    Two mountain goats with large curved horns on a grassy hill captured in stunning wildlife photos by Wikimedia Commons users.

    Wikimedia Commons Report

    Final score:
    19points
    POST
    markglass avatar
    Lotekguy
    Lotekguy
    Community Member
    Premium     1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The first day of dance class was baffling for the newcomer.

    2
    2points
    reply
    #32

    Garranos Fight By Norberto Esteves

    Two wild horses playfully sparring on rocky terrain with shrubs, showcasing stunning wildlife in natural habitat.

    Wikimedia Commons Report

    Final score:
    18points
    POST
    #33

    Southern Elephant Seal By Butterfly Austral

    Close-up of a seal yawning on snow in a stunning wildlife photo taken by Wikimedia Commons users outdoors.

    Wikimedia Commons Report

    Final score:
    18points
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    #34

    Campamento De Ganado De La Tribu Mundari By Diego Delso

    Person tending to cattle with large horns during golden hour in a stunning wildlife photo shared by Wikimedia Commons users.

    Wikimedia Commons Report

    Final score:
    17points
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    #35

    The Bug Peek By Mildeep

    Close-up of a small insect on a water-covered, partially eaten green leaf in stunning wildlife photography.

    Wikimedia Commons Report

    Final score:
    17points
    POST
    #36

    Indosylvirana Urbis By Jee & Rani Nature Photography

    Close-up of a frog resting inside a purple and white flower, showcasing stunning wildlife photography details.

    Wikimedia Commons Report

    Final score:
    17points
    POST
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    #37

    Look Of Ringed Seal By Кирилл Уютнов

    Seal swimming in calm water captured in a stunning wildlife photo shared by Wikimedia Commons users.

    Wikimedia Commons Report

    Final score:
    17points
    POST
    #38

    Cervus Nippon By Diego Delso

    Deer with antlers holding a yellow leaf in its mouth captured in a stunning wildlife photo in a natural setting.

    Wikimedia Commons Report

    Final score:
    16points
    POST
    #39

    When Feeding The Young By Luckhy86

    Hoopoe bird in flight carrying food to its chick peeking from a tree hole in stunning wildlife photo.

    Wikimedia Commons Report

    Final score:
    16points
    POST
    nicoleweymann avatar
    Nicole Weymann
    Nicole Weymann
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Love their Latin name: Upupa epops! 😂

    2
    2points
    reply
    #40

    Zitting Cisticola By Budi Santoso Adji

    Wildlife photo of a parent bird feeding three chicks perched on thin bamboo stalks in a natural green setting.

    Wikimedia Commons Report

    Final score:
    15points
    POST
    markglass avatar
    Lotekguy
    Lotekguy
    Community Member
    Premium     1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Given the relative sizes, this must be how it feels for parents whose kids in their twenties are still living at home.

    1
    1point
    reply
    #41

    Eilat Dolphin Reef By טל שמע

    Dolphin swimming underwater captured in one of the stunning wildlife photos shared by Wikimedia Commons users.

    Wikimedia Commons Report

    Final score:
    15points
    POST
    #42

    Humpback Whale By Charles J. Sharp

    Humpback whale swimming close to the water surface, captured in stunning wildlife photos shared by Wikimedia Commons users.

    Wikimedia Commons Report

    Final score:
    15points
    POST
    #43

    House Sparrow Nepal By Dasrath Shrestha Beejukchhen (Bablu)

    Two small birds in midair captured in stunning wildlife photo showing intricate wing details and interaction.

    Wikimedia Commons Report

    Final score:
    14points
    POST
    #44

    Portrait Of An Ant By Retro Lenses

    Close-up macro shot of an ant highlighting detailed textures in a stunning wildlife photo shared by users.

    Wikimedia Commons Report

    Final score:
    14points
    POST
    #45

    Flap-Necked Chameleon By Charles J. Sharp

    Green chameleon climbing on dry tree branches in a stunning wildlife photo with natural light and clear background.

    Wikimedia Commons Report

    Final score:
    13points
    POST
    rosebroady8 avatar
    Livingwithcfs
    Livingwithcfs
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's the most unimpressed look I've ever seen

    2
    2points
    reply
    #46

    Killer Whales Hunting A Seal By Callan Carpenter

    Orcas approaching a seal resting on ice in a stunning wildlife photo capturing Arctic animal behavior.

    Wikimedia Commons Report

    Final score:
    13points
    POST
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    #47

    Vespula Vulgaris Portrait By Tim Evison

    Extreme close-up of a wasp's face showing detailed eyes and hairs in a stunning wildlife photo.

    Wikimedia Commons Report

    Final score:
    12points
    POST

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