National Geographic has a long history of capturing captivating images from nature. From the magazine’s first published nature photograph in 1890 to today, photographers often brave wild terrain and dangerous situations to capture wildlife from around the globe. While the animals caught on film aren’t always exotic, the best animal photos give us a glimpse into a hidden world humans rarely get to see. (1)
Capturing The Best Animal Photos
Despite a global pandemic, 2020 did not stop photographers from exploring the natural world. From big cats and gorillas in far-flung locations to backyard birds, every image captures a moment in the daily lives of these animals. Photographer Carmen Huter, for example, snapped a once-in-a-lifetime shot of a Ugandan gorilla meeting her lens eye to eye. It’s a memory, she said, she will cherish for the rest of her life. (2)
Other images capture the lives of smaller animals: insects. Karine Aigner shot a seemingly common occurrence, especially to those who own swimming pools–a honeybee, hovering on top of the water, creating ripples on the surface with the rapid beat of its wings. During the summer season, a hive of honeybees needs at least 1 liter of water per day. Taken for National Honeybee Day, this photograph highlights the importance of this small insect that’s essential for the earth’s ecosystem. (3)
Because of extensive habitat loss and human mismanagement of the earth’s resources, many species now face endangerment and extinction. In the last 100 years alone, more than 400 vertebrate species became extinct. Our picks for the best animal photos of 2020 reminds us that our globe is not just ours. We share our planet with an endless variety of animals that need our help to survive. By bringing awareness to threatened species and changing habitats, National Geographic’s photographers add to the call to protect and preserve these amazing animals. (4)
Our Top 10 Picks
While there are an endless variety of amazing images to choose from, here are our top 10 picks of the best animal photos of 2020.
Carmen Huter’s Ugandan gorilla meets her, eye-to-eye, for a brief second.
This image, captured by Karine Aigner, highlights the voracious thirst of the honeybee. This insect needs plenty of water to survive the warm summer months.
Sally Hinton shot this poignant moment between an elephant calf and its mother at the Mashatu Game Reserve in Botswana.
Captured on a branch near Jiaxing, China, Yong Miao shot this colorful dragonfly taking a break from a flight.
Romanian photographer Ioana Sand bravely captured this image of a European bison. While visiting a bison sanctuary in Valea Zimbrilor, Romania, Sand was thrilled to get herself in the reflection of this large’s creatures soulful eyes.
This photo of captive big cats by Steve Winter brings attention to a growing problem in the U.S. It’s estimated that over 10,000 tigers are kept captive in America, while only 4,000 live in the wild throughout the globe.
This seven-banded armadillo makes its home in the Cerrado, the largest savanna in South America. Photographer Pete Oxford caught this fascinating creature navigating its Brazillian home.
While a lioness carries one cub in her mouth, the other trails behind in Connie Bowen’s gorgeous photo.
As powdery snow falls, a gray jay is captured by photographer Maxime Legare-Vezina.
Bernt Østhus captured this Finnish wolf on a cold morning. Because of hunting, Nordic countries list the wolf as endangered.
