(CNN) – An image of a napping polar bear curled up on an iceberg captured the hearts of voters to win this year’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year People’s Choice Award.
The photo, called “Ice Bed,” was captured by British amateur photographer Nima Sarikhani off Norway’s Svalbard Archipelago.
While on an expedition vessel, Sarikhani saw the young male polar bear climb onto the small iceberg, and using his paws, carve out a bed for himself. He took a photo of the moment the bear drifted off to sleep, according to a press release.
Sarikhani says he wants his photo to inspire hope that there’s still time to reverse climate change.
“There is still time to fix the mess we have caused,” he said in the press release.
“Ice Bed” was chosen as the competition winner from a shortlist of 25 images. Those were narrowed down from around 50,000 entries.
More than 75,000 people voted in the competition, a record number.
In addition to the winner, there are four finalists. All five images will be exhibited at the Natural History Museum in London through June 30.
Copyright 2024 CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. Gray News contributed to this report.
