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Geladas on the "Roof of Africa"

Turgay Uzer

United States of America

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When I visited India's Ranthambore National Park, the tigress Noor had three daughters which were already as big as their mother and ready to set out on their own. Despite that, they were still playing the innocent games of their cubhood– in this case, a game of chase. They would be rivals soon.

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Nominee

Sisters Chasing

Forest Elephants are very agressive outside the safety of their forest home. As soon as this mother elephant spotted our vehicle, she started charged at us. Her calf had difficulty getting out of her way. Satisfied with sending us her message, the pair disappeared into the dense forest.

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Forest Elephant Drama

This is Waka, the 15-year old black back, and, with any luck, the future silverback of his family. Waka is a good-natured, calm and gentle male. He showed no stress while I was following him closely. After giving me this inquisitive and well-meaning look, was reassured enough to eat.

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The Heir to the Throne

There is a special stand of trees in Zambia's  South Luangwa National Park where the setting sun acts like a spotlight on the animals and produces rim lights just before disappearing. This imnage was taken while the baboon were using the trees as a jungle gym

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Baby Baboon

This is Kamaya the silverback gorilla, head of his family in the Gabon rainforest. He has reached the ripe old age of 37, but he is still vigorous enough to climb trees and father children. Clearly, it has not been an easy life but he can be satisfied that his family thrived under his protection.

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Old Age

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Honorable Mention

Wildlife Encounters

The gelada monkey is an iconic animal of Ethiopia's Simien Mountains. They spend the night on tiny ledges on the impossibly steep cliffs of these canyons to protect themselves from leopards, and climb back on the plateau at daybreak to graze all day because this grass is not nutritious.

Bronze