A Sleeping Polar Bear on Ice Wins Hearts: British Photographer Nima Sarikhani Captures Wildlife Photo of the Year People's Choice Award

In a breathtaking moment of stillness, a polar bear rests peacefully atop a drifting iceberg, surrounded by the cold silence of the Arctic night. This dreamlike image, captured by British amateur photographer Nima Sarikhani, has won the People’s Choice Award in the 59th edition of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition — one of the most prestigious contests in the world of nature photography.

The photograph, titled “Ice Bed,” captivated audiences across the globe, earning a record-breaking 75,000 public votes. It triumphed over 24 other stunning finalists selected from nearly 50,000 submitted entries by an international judging panel and the Natural History Museum in London, which organizes the annual competition.

A Powerful Image of Beauty and Fragility

Dr. Douglass Gurr, Director of the Natural History Museum, praised Sarikhani’s work, saying:

“Nima’s breathtaking and poignant image allows us to see the beauty and fragility of our planet. His 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.”

The story behind the photo adds even more depth to its emotional impact. Sarikhani had been searching for polar bears for three days during an expedition off the coast of Norway. As the vessel neared the edge of the remaining sea ice, a pair of polar bears was finally spotted. One of them — described as especially photogenic — climbed onto a small chunk of ice near midnight.

There, under the soft glow of the Arctic sky, the bear dug out a shallow depression in the snow and curled up, using the ice itself as a pillow. It was a rare and touching sight — one that Sarikhani was fortunate enough to witness and immortalize.

An Emotional Response to a Global Crisis

Speaking about his win, Sarikhani expressed gratitude and hope:

“I am so honored to have won this year’s People’s Choice Award for WPY, the most prestigious wildlife photography competition. This photograph has stirred strong emotions in many of those who have seen it. While climate change is the biggest challenge we face, I hope this image also inspires hope — that there is still time to fix the mess we have caused.”

Indeed, the serene image contrasts with the harsh reality facing polar bears today. As Arctic ice continues to melt due to rising global temperatures, polar bears are losing the very habitat they rely on for survival. What appears peaceful is, in fact, a symbol of both natural beauty and environmental urgency.

A Call to Action Through Art

“Ice Bed” is more than just a stunning photograph — it’s a visual narrative of coexistence, vulnerability, and responsibility. It reminds viewers that even in moments of calm, there is a deeper story of struggle, survival, and hope.

In a time when the world is grappling with climate change and biodiversity loss, Sarikhani’s image stands as both a tribute to the wonders of wildlife and a quiet plea for change. It is a gentle but powerful call to protect the fragile ecosystems that support life on Earth.

As the 59th Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition continues to inspire millions, one photograph now leads the charge — a sleeping polar bear, floating on a dwindling sheet of ice, reminding us of what is at stake and what still can be saved.