The Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition is the most famous and prestigious event of its kind in the world. It provides both an inspiring annual catalogue of the wonders of nature and a thought-provoking look at our complex relationship with the natural world. These are the unforgettable highlights from the 2021 Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition, drawn annually from around 45,000 entries from dozens of countries. They include each of the category winners and incorporate all aspects of wildlife photography, from animal portraits to Earth’s environments. For each photograph there is a caption that reveals the memorable story behind the picture and, for some, members of the international jury share their insightful thoughts. Twenty-five striking photographs from the competition’s People’s Choice vote are also included.