The world’s finest nature images are on display at the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition at Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery (SMAG) until 20 June 2026.

Published on Friday May 1st, 2026

Driving by the Punda kopjes we saw lions napping in the scorching midday sun and I was like, nah, pass, not the umpteenth sleeping cats! it’s too hot and they won’t be active for another couple of hours, let’s move over and go find something interesting. David, my guide, was not of the same advice; he felt that something was going on, and he stopped the vehicle. after many safari trips I have learnt to trust blindly my guide, because he knows things. So I began to scan the scene as well. Only then we realised that the dark branch on the edge was actually a cobra creeping up, and we remained freezed, bracing for the unexpected interaction - me even more petrified because I don’t feel comfortable around reptiles and I am really never overly happy of being in the proximity of a venomous species. I don't know how this lioness even heard (or felt?) the snake coming, but she went in seconds from sleeping beauty to savage goddess and engaged in a formidable face-off with the reptile. The whole scene lasted only minutes, and later involved also another female. Luckily enough, no venom was spit and no paws were bitten in this incident, but it was a close call for sure. This photo was taken in may 2023 during a safari trip to Serengeti National Park, Tanzania. I’m sorry I cannot provide gps data, but by default I keep the camera gps switched off while photographing wildlife, to avoid inadvertently giving away the position of an animal to potential poachers or trophy hunters when I publish my photos on the internet.

On loan from the Natural History Museum in London, the exhibitions feature some of the most exceptional nature photography taken today from across the globe and shines a light on powerful and fascinating images that capture hidden animal behaviour, spectacular species and the breathtaking diversity of the natural world.

The exhibition includes this remarkable image by Gabriella Comi.

This year’s competition attracted over 60,000 entries from photographers of all ages and experience levels. During an intense week at the Natural History Museum in London, entries were judged anonymously on their creativity, originality, and technical excellence by an international panel of industry experts. It is now visiting Shropshire as part of its international tour.

Alongside the main exhibition, visitors can also see a selection of wildlife photographs taken by different aged Shropshire photographers, who took part in the Museum’s own community photography competition with a focus on ‘Wildlife on your doorstep’.

The exhibition is open Tuesday- Saturday, (closed Sundays and Mondays) 10am-4pm. Admission is £7.50 per adults with concessions for seniors, students and Friends of the Museum. Tickets can be purchased from the shop on arrival.

For more details check out Wildlife Photographer of the Year – Shropshire Museums