WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Wildlife Federation is proud to announce the winners of the 46th annual National Wildlife magazine photo contest, with this year's Grand Prize going to a Kenyan photographer for his breathtaking image of the declining African elephant.

This prestigious photo contest drew more than 25,000 entries from across the globe — a vivid gallery ranging from stormy plains and gleaming galaxies to avian ballets and tender caresses among lion cubs. Each entry celebrates the beauty of nature and raises funds to help support the National Wildlife Federation’s efforts to protect wildlife and wild lands.

This year’s winners hail from California, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, Montana, New York, and North Carolina, as well as Canada, Kenya, Kuwait, Mexico, and Spain. Whether lifelong professionals or avid amateurs, all winners display a love of wildlife and an appreciation of how photography can help bring nature to life in a way that inspires others to take action and protect wildlife, both at home and abroad.

We’re pleased to award a grand prize as well as first and second place in each of the following seven categories: Baby Animals, Mammals, Backyard Habitats, People in Nature, Birds, Other Wildlife, and Landscapes and Plants.

The National Wildlife Federation congratulates all 15 winners and thanks everyone who participated in the 2017 contest. We also encourage all nature photographers — both amateur and professional — to submit to the 47th annual contest opening January 8, 2018.

These images are free for use and distribution with proper attribution given to the photographers and National Wildlife magazine. Photo credits should be displayed as “[Photographer name], 2017 National Wildlife® Photo Contest.” Please reach out to Anna Vecchio at VecchioA@nwf.org for print sized versions.