Chameleon catching prey snares ZSL Animal Photography Prize

  • Animals
The winning shot was of a panther chameleon. Credit: Simone Sbaraglia

This image of a chameleon just as it snares its pray has won a prestigious animal photography award.

Photographer Simone Sbaraglia stole the show with his stunning shot which goes on display at London Zoo on Friday.

Picked from thousands of entrants, Mr Sbaraglia went on to win this year's London Zoological Society's (LZS) Animal Photography Prize with his shot of the panther chameleon.

Mr Sbaraglia wanted his shot to inspire people to connect more with nature and spent days waiting to capture the most iconic moment.

He explained:

Jason Brown won accolades for this adorable shot. Credit: Jason Brown

The competition has six categories for adult and junior entrants, including Last Chance to See and Size Matters.

The winning images were chosen by a panel of judges including ZSL Honorary Conservation Fellow and television presenter Kate Humble and ornithologist Bill Oddie.

Alex Berryman won a junior award for this shot, called Painted Lady. Credit: Alex Berryman

ZSL’s photography exhibition project manager Sarah Barron said:

This shot in the perfect moment category was highly commended by the judges. Credit: Graham Morrison

Other images on display in the exhibition include a captivating black and white close-up of a mighty orangutan, and the joyful shot of a gentoo penguin leaping over waves.

For more information on the exhibit and next year's competition, click here.