Gold in Nature/Wildlife / 2026 / Nature / Wildlife

• Prize
  Gold in Nature/Wildlife
• Photographer
  Shaun Keenan, Japan
• Date of Photograph
  25 February, 2023

In the early 20th century, the Red-crowned cranes vanished from the Japanese landscape - believed to have gone extinct. However, in 1924 a tiny, isolated population sparked a century of recovery. By 2026, their numbers rebounded, precipitating a rare triumph of conservation efforts: reclassification to ‘Near-Threatened’ status. It is a story to celebrate, yet far from the final chapter. This series captures a species in transition - celebrating recovery, while recognizing an ongoing necessity for persistent and meaningful efforts to ensure they continue to thrive long into the future.