Stunning images celebrate the best of wildlife in UK and Ireland
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An image of a markhor overlooking his enclosure at the Highland Wildlife Park has been highly commended in a prestigious photo competition.
The British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) has announced the stunning winners of their annual photography competition at an extraordinary time for zoos and aquariums.
The photograph taken at the attraction by Kincraig by Alyson Houston of the markhor – a large goat found in woodland in Central Asia, Karakoram and the Western Himalayas – was highly commended in the Life in a BIAZA Collection category.
The competition, which is only open to zoo or aquarium staff and volunteers, received hundreds of entries, capturing amazing moments from pensive monkeys to swimming with sharks.
It was judged by TV naturalist Nick Baker among others.
Sandra Grant, visitor experience manager at the wildlife park, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled that Alyson’s photo was highly commended in the annual BIAZA photography competition.
“The image beautifully captures Highland Wildlife Park's stunning setting with fantastic views of the Cairngorms National Park.
“These awards provide a valuable opportunity for BIAZA members to have their hard work and skills recognised by colleagues across the community.”
Competition judges said of the wildlife park image: "Good zoos are inspiring and commanding respect for their animals. This is clear in this fantastic shot showing how spectacular good zoos have become."
The winners show the important work of zoos and aquariums at an immensely challenging time for these conservation organisations.
Competition judge and BIAZA spokesperson Andrew Hall said: “Huge congratulations to all of our winners.
"Everyday our zoos and aquariums are sharing the extraordinary beauty and fragility of the natural world and this is evident in the incredible winning photos.
"We were blown away by the incredible entries to the competition – from the love and care of the keepers to the engaging personalities of the animals, our zoos and aquariums are amazing organisations, making our world a better place.
"Now more than ever our society needs zoos and aquariums.”
"Not only are these zoos and aquariums fighting for a better, wilder future, after months of closures they are reeling from the financial impacts of the coronavirus."
BIAZA is a conservation education and scientific wildlife charity, which acts as the principal professional zoo body representing the responsible zoo and aquarium community in the UK.
