Among humpback whales, which can grow upwards of 60 feet long and weigh up to 40 tons, instances of albinism are exceedingly rare. But when these otherworldly all-white mammals appear—such as the beloved Migaloo that was first spotted in 1991 off Australia’s east coast—they inspire wonder.
Marine photographer Jono Allen captured a unique shot of a baby white humpback being nudged by its mother, taking the top prize in the 2026 World Nature Photography Awards (WNPA), in addition to winning the Underwater category.
The seventh edition of WNPA continues to highlight the diversity, beauty, and inherent vulnerability of our planet’s wildlife and ecosystems. From Mary Schrader’s tender portrait of a gorilla observing a butterfly to Miki Spitzer’s enigmatic drone photo of a mineral pool that looks like the close-up of a dragon’s eye, all of the winning photos emphasize curiosity and awe.
The contest is now accepting entries for its 2027 edition. See the winners’ gallery and learn more on WNPA’s website.
