Humpback whales can reach lengths of up to 60 feet and weights of up to 40 tons, and cases of albinism are extremely rare among humpback whales. But when these otherworldly, all-white mammals appear, such as the beloved Megalo, first discovered off Australia’s east coast in 1991, they spark curiosity.
Marine photographer Jono Allen has won the top prize at the 2026 World Nature Photography Awards (WNPA) in addition to winning the underwater category for a unique photo of a white humpback whale baby being gently pushed by its mother.
The seventh WNPA continues to highlight the diversity, beauty and inherent fragility of Earth’s wildlife and ecosystems. From Mary Schrader’s tender portrait of a gorilla observing a butterfly to Miki Spitzer’s mysterious drone photo of a close-up of a mining pool that looks like a dragon’s eye, all the winning photos emphasize curiosity and awe.
The competition is now accepting entries for the 2027 edition. Please visit the WNPA website to view the winners gallery and learn more.
