There’s a coalition of male cheetahs swimming in a raging river in Kenya, an orphaned flying fox pup being cared for in Australia, and thousands of narwhal shrimp in deep water off the French Mediterranean coast.

These are just some of the Highly Commended images from the popular Wildlife Photographer of the Year contest.

Now in its 57th year, Wildlife Photographer of the Year is developed and produced by the Natural History Museum, London. The competition features nature photography from all over the world in categories including urban wildlife, photojournalism, and young photographers.

Above is “Storm Fox” by Jonny Armstrong of the United States. It’s a highlight from the Animal Portraits entries. Here’s what the contest organizers had to say about the image:

The overall winners will be announced in a virtual awards ceremony, streaming straight from the Natural History Museum, London, on October 12. The exhibition at the museum opens on October 15. 

Here’s a look at more Highly Commended images from the contest and how the museum competition organizers and the photographers explained each photo.

Highly Commended, 11-14 years

“Apollo Landing” by Emelin Dupieux, France 

Highly Commended, Photojournalism

“A Caring Hand” by Douglas Gimesy, Australia

Highly Commended, Underwater

“Deep Feelers” by Laurent Ballesta, France

Highly Commended, Urban Wildlife

“Lynx on the Threshold” by Sergio Marijuán, Spain 

Highly Commended, Behaviour: Birds 

“Up for Grabs” by Jack Zhi, USA

Highly Commended, Behaviour: Mammals 

“The Great Swim” by Buddhilini de Soyza, Sri Lanka/Australia

Highly Commended, Plants and Fungi

“Mushroom Magic” by Juergen Freund, Germany/Australia

Highly Commended, Oceans - The Bigger Picture

“Net Loss” by Audun Rikardsen, Norway  

Highly Commended, Natural Artistry

“Toxic Design” by Gheorghe Popa, Romania  

Highly Commended, 10 years and under 

“Lockdown Chicks” by Gagana Mendis Wickramasinghe, Sri Lanka

Three rose-ringed parakeet chicks pop their heads out of the nest hole as their father returns with food. Watching was 10‑year-old Gagana, on the balcony of his parents’ bedroom, in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The hole was at eye level with the balcony, in a dead areca-nut palm in the backyard, which his parents had deliberately left standing to attract wildlife. In the spring of 2020, during the long days of the island-wide lockdown, Gagana and his older brother had hours of entertainment watching the parakeet family and experimenting with their cameras, sharing lenses and a tripod, always mindful that the slightest movement or noise would stop the chicks showing themselves.

When incubating the eggs, the female stayed inside while the male foraged (for fruit, berries, nuts, and seeds mainly), feeding her by regurgitating food. When Gagana took this picture, both parents were feeding the growing chicks. Only when they fledged did Gagana realize that there were as many as five chicks. Also known as ring‑necked parakeets, these medium-sized parrots are native to Sri Lanka, India, and Pakistan, as well as a band of sub‑Saharan Africa, but feral populations are now found in many countries including the UK. These are often found in urban settings, where they sometimes even breed in holes in brick walls. 

“Natural Magnetism” by Jaime Culebras, Spain  

Highly Commended, Wetlands—The Bigger Picture 

“The Nurturing Wetland” by Rakesh Pulapa, India

Highly Commended, Behaviour: Amphibians and Reptiles

“The Gripping End” by Wei Fu, Thailand