National Geographic Presents Its 2025 Pictures of the Year: A Wildlife Showcase

National Geographic's December 2025 edition celebrates captivating wildlife photography from across the globe as part of its annual Pictures of the Year presentation. The collection is crafted to draw attention to threatened species and delicate ecosystems, some showing the impact of conservation success.

From a massive selection of images taken by their skilled photographers throughout the year, National Geographic curated 25 outstanding shots for this exhibit. Nathan Lump, the editor in chief, remarked, “Each image exudes its own tale of allure, delicacy, and awe. Together, they're an urgent call to action, urging us to conserve what risks disappearance and to find hope in envisioning a brighter tomorrow.” Seven remarkable photos from this collection are highlighted below, with the full selection available on National Geographic's website.

Highlights of Extraordinary Wildlife Photography for 2025

The latest issue features compelling imagery capturing the intricacies of fragile habitats and the diverse life forms they support. These photos aim to raise awareness of environmental challenges while celebrating the resilience of nature.

An Unexpected Encounter in the Arctic by Roie Galitz

In Svalbard, Norway, during a photographic journey, Roie Galitz stumbled upon the rare sight of a polar bear with a floating sperm whale's remains—a species more commonly seen in warmer waters. Capturing this moment using a drone, Galitz reflected on the unpredictable nature of Arctic wildlife, observing that what is visible today may vanish by tomorrow.

A Glimpse of the Few Remaining Jaguars by Fernando Faciole

Within Brazil’s Rio Doce State Park, Fernando Faciole documented one of the scarce jaguars that still roam the Atlantic Forest. Deforestation has severely limited their population, with estimates suggesting fewer than twelve remain in this area.

Great White Sharks Up Close with Brian Skerry

Off the Maine coastline, Brian Skerry came face to face with a substantial 10-foot great white shark. The Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 has significantly influenced the rise in shark sightings by leading to an increased number of seals, their prey.

Highlighting Native Bees, Captured by Karine Aigner

In Davis, California, Karine Aigner discovered a sunflower chimney bee resting atop a blossom. She expressed her excitement on social media over native bees receiving due recognition through her photography being featured.

The Vast Migration Across South Sudan by Marcus Westberg

Marcus Westberg provides a stunning aerial view of antelope herds journeying across South Sudan, captured using a drone. In 2024, research from African Parks and the University of Juba confirmed this as the world’s largest terrestrial migration, involving approximately six million antelope.

The Opulent Wilderness of Botswana Through Stephen Wilkes

Stephen Wilkes employs his distinct method of layering photographs taken over extensive periods to create single, impactful images. His shot of a watering hole in Botswana’s Okavango Delta, during a severe drought, illustrates the stress and thirst experienced by local wildlife.

Steller Sea Lions and the Passage of Time in Stephen Wilkes's Work

In a dramatic composition, Wilkes' 'Day to Night' technique marvelously frames Steller sea lions along Canada’s Malaspina Strait. Although these marine mammals face threats, conservation measures have facilitated their population growth.