Wool Museum exclusively hosts Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition

Wombat lockdown by Douglas Gimesy, Highly Commended in Photojournalism. Photo: DOUGLAS GIMESY

The National Wool Museum in Geelong will be the exclusive Victorian home of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year 58 exhibition.

The world-renowned exhibition, which is on loan from the Natural History Museum in London, officially opened on December 9 and features an array of images that capture fascinating animal behaviour and stunning diversity from the natural world.

Launched in 1965, the competition has grown drastically and now attracts more than 50,000 entries from across the globe, earning its title as one of the most prestigious photography events of its kind.

Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan said it was an honour to have the exhibition in Geelong and the internationally recognised competition would help to elevate Geelong as a cultural destination.

“The Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition showcases the best of the best in nature and wildlife photojournalism from around the globe.

“I highly recommend community members get along to this exhibition, as they’re guaranteed to learn more about unique animal behaviour and be left in awe of our beautiful natural world.”

The snake tree by Juergen Freund (Australia), Highly Commended in Behaviour: Amphibians and Reptiles. Photo: JUERGEN FREUND

In total, four Australian photographers were recognised in this year’s top 100 photographers for Wildlife Photographer of the Year including Victorian Douglas Gimesy, Juergen Freund, Scott Portelli, and Calumn Hockey.

The quartet were chosen from a field of more than 50,000 entries and received highly commended awards in the categories of animal portraits, photojournalism, and behaviour.

Calumn Hockey with his Highly Commended photograph taken in the Takayna Forest, Tasmania. Picture: MIKE DUGDALE.

“One of the most important things about competitions like Wildlife Photographer of the Year, is that it provides an opportunity to start shining a spotlight on wildlife issues that might otherwise go unnoticed,” highly commended photographer Douglas Gimesy said.

Fellow Australian artist and finalist Juergen Freund said the exhibition brings positive change to environmental challenges and provided a great chance for photo enthusiasts to go out and see the world with new eyes.

The exhibition will remain accessible until May 7, 2023 excluding Christmas Day, Boxing Day and Good Friday.

To buy tickets to Wildlife Photographer of the Year 58, head to eventbrite.com.au/e/wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-58-museum-admission-tickets-453636367587