(Web Desk) - A 'curious' leopard seal gazing into the camera lens, a sleeping baby monkey and a 'wrestle' between an anaconda and a caiman are all among the winners of this year's Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition.
This year saw a record-breaking 59,228 entries from 117 countries and territories enter the competition run by the Natural History Museum.
The overall winner of 'Wildlife Photographer of the Year' is Shane Gross, a Canadian photojournalist, who picks up the award for his photo capturing the 'magical underwater world of western toad tadpoles'.
Kathy Moran, Chair of the Jury and Editor, says: 'The jury was captivated by the mix of light, energy and connectivity between the environment and tadpoles.
We were equally excited by the addition of a new species to the Wildlife Photographer of the Year archive.'
Dr Doug Gurr, Director of the Natural History Museum, adds: 'Wildlife Photographer of the Year's longevity is a testament to the vital importance and growing appreciation of our natural world.
‘We are delighted to feature such inspiring images in this year's portfolio - these are photographs that not only encourage further wildlife conservation efforts, but that spark the creation of real advocates for our planet on a global scale.'